Canadian Products: \

1. Difference between "Product in Canada" and "Made in Canada"

1.1 Canadian Products: "Product of Canada" vs "Made in Canada"

The indication "Product of Canada" is reserved for Canadian products that meet strict criteria:

• The last substantial transformation took place in Canada.
• At least 98 % of direct production or manufacturing costs were engaged in Canada.

Thus, a product bearing this label is almost entirely Canadian, both in its components and in its manufacturing process.

1.2 Canadian Products: greater flexibility with "Made in Canada"

The indication "Made in Canada" is less strict and can be used if:

• The last substantial transformation took place in Canada.
• At least 51 % of direct production or manufacturing costs were engaged in Canada.
• The label is accompanied by a descriptive statement, such as "Made in Canada with imported components" or "Made in Canada with Canadian and imported components".

Thus, a product can be classified as "Made in Canada" even if it contains a significant amount of foreign components, as long as more than half of the manufacturing costs are Canadian.

2. Other indications: precision and transparency

If a product does not meet the criteria for "Product of Canada" or "Made in Canada", more precise labels should be used to avoid confusion. For example:

• "Assembled in Canada - components imported"
• "Sewed in Canada - fabric imported"
• "Designed in Canada", if the design was done in the country but not the manufacturing

The Competition Bureau encourages businesses to provide clear and precise details so that consumers can make informed decisions about Canadian products.

3. Certification and official proof

Do companies need to obtain a certification or an official government document to use the labels "Made in Canada" or "Product of Canada" on their Canadian products?

No, there is no obligation for companies to obtain an official document or government certification to use these labels. However, they must ensure that their products meet the criteria established by the Canadian Competition Bureau. In case of false declaration, they expose themselves to penalties for deceptive practices. It is therefore essential that companies retain documented proof to justify the use of these indications.

4. Why are these distinctions important?

Consumers often place great importance on the Canadian origin of the products they buy, whether to support local economy, reduce carbon footprint or guarantee certain quality standards. Understanding the difference between "Product of Canada" and "Made in Canada" helps avoid confusion and make informed purchases.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a completely Canadian product, prefer those labeled "Product of Canada". If you simply want a product with significant Canadian manufacturing contribution, "Made in Canada" can be a good alternative, provided you read the descriptive statement carefully that accompanies it.

5. Canadian grocery products: which brands to prefer?

To support local economy and buy Canadian products, here are some brands that respect these distinctions:

• Tomatoes and sauces : Mutti Canada, Primo
• Milk and dairy products : Agropur (Natrel, Québon), Saputo
• Meat and charcuterie : Olymel, Maple Leaf, Lafleur
• Flour and bakery products : Robin Hood, Five Roses
• Maple syrup : Local maple syrup brands
• Legumes and grains : Goudas, Purity, Gogo Quinoa

By favoring these Canadian products, you encourage local producers and have the assurance of consuming quality foods that meet Canadian standards.

Source : Competition Bureau Canada

6. An "Is This Canadian?" app to verify the origin of Canadian products

For consumers concerned about the origin of their purchases, the "Is This Canadian?" app is a valuable resource. It allows you to scan a product to verify if your product comes from Canada. Thanks to this app, you can easily identify truly Canadian products and avoid labeling errors or misleading indications.