Canadian Competition Act Green Claims Rules
Provisions of Canada's Competition Act on environmental claims, added by Bill C-59 in 2024. Claims about a product's environmental benefits must be based on adequate and proper testing, and claims about a business's environmental benefits must be based on adequate and proper substantiation.
Bill C-15, which received royal assent on 26 March 2026, narrowed these rules: business-level claims no longer need to follow an "internationally recognized methodology", and private parties can no longer bring those complaints to the Competition Tribunal.
EcoAppraise context
The burden of proof still sits with the company making the claim. Canadian claims should be screened for testing and substantiation before publication.
Related terms
Substantiation; Environmental Claim; Greenwashing
Enforcement cases
Quebec Professional Association for R…: Competition Bureau Canada takes…
Bulletin on Private Access to the Competition Tribunal
Legislation Passes To Amend Environmental Claims Prohibitions Of The Competition Act
Competition Bureau Canada issues guidance on environmental marketing claims under Competition Act