- The law
- CASL, S.C. 2010, c. 23, section 6(2) and 6(3); Electronic Commerce Protection Regulations (CRTC), SOR/2012-36, sections 2 and 3; Competition Act sections 52.01 and 74.011
- Who enforces it
- Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC); Competition Bureau for false or misleading sender and subject lines
- Penalties
- Under CASL, up to $1 million per violation for an individual and $10 million for any other person, such as a business.
What it means for your email
- Every commercial email must identify the person who sent it and, if different, the person it's sent on behalf of.
- Include the name you carry on business by, if it differs from your legal name.
- If it's sent for someone else, say which person is sending it and which one it's sent for.
- Include a mailing address and either a phone number, an email address or a web address.
- These contact details must stay valid for at least 60 days after you send, and must be set out clearly and prominently.
- Under the Competition Act, sending false or misleading sender information or subject lines to promote a business or product can be reviewable conduct or a criminal offence.
Do
- Put the business name, mailing address and a contact route in every marketing email footer.
- Name your client as well as your agency when you send for a client.
- Write subject lines and from names that match who you are and what's inside.
- Keep phone lines, inboxes and contact pages working for 60 days after each send.
Don't
- Don't send from a name that hides your business.
- Don't use a subject line that misleads people about the email.
- Don't let a contact address or web page lapse inside 60 days.
Good to know
- If it isn't practicable to fit the details in the email, they can sit on a web page reached free of charge by a clear and prominent link.
- Messages that don't need consent, such as requested quotes, transaction confirmations and safety notices, still need the sender details.
- These are federal rules that apply across Canada. The unsubscribe is a separate requirement: see the Canada unsubscribe card.
Sources
- Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation, S.C. 2010, c. 23, sections 1 to 9 (Justice Laws Website, Government of Canada)
- Electronic Commerce Protection Regulations (CRTC) (SOR/2012-36) (Justice Laws Website, Government of Canada)
- Competition Act, section 52.01 (Justice Laws Website, Government of Canada)
- Competition Act, section 74.011 (Justice Laws Website, Government of Canada)
- Getting consent to send email (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada)
- Frequently asked questions about Canada's anti-spam legislation (Competition Bureau Canada)
Researched by Mailfois · 2026/27 edition · checked 20 October 2026
Not legal advice. This is a plain-English summary. Check the sources for anything specific, or take professional advice. Spotted something out of date? Email [email protected] and we'll credit you if you'd like.