1. Difference between "Made in Canada" and "Produced in Canada
Canadian products: "Product of Canada" vs "Made in Canada
The "Product of Canada" designation is reserved for Canadian products that meet strict criteria:
- The last substantial transformation took place in Canada.
- At least 98 % direct costs production or manufacturing operations were carried out 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 "Made in Canada" indication is less strict and may be used if :
- The last substantial transformation took place in Canada.
- At least 51 % direct costs production or manufacturing operations were carried out in Canada.
- The indication 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 qualified as "Made in Canada" even if it contains a significant proportion of foreign components, as long as more than half the manufacturing costs are of Canadian origin.
2. Other indications: precision and transparency
If a product does not meet the criteria of "Product of Canada" or "Made in Canada", more precise terms must be used to avoid confusion. For example:
- "Assembled in Canada - imported components".
- "Sewn in Canada - imported fabric".
- "Designed in Canadaif the design was carried out in the country but not the manufacture
The Competition Bureau encourages companies to provide clear and precise details so that consumers can make informed choices about Canadian products.
3. Certification and official proof
Do companies need to obtain certification or an official government document to use the words "Made in Canada" or "Product of Canada" on their Canadian products?
No, there is no requirement for companies to obtain an official document or government certification to use these terms. However, they must ensure that their products meet the criteria established by the Competition Bureau of Canada. In the event of misrepresentation, they are liable to penalties for deceptive practices. It is therefore essential that companies keep documented evidence to justify the use of these indications.
4. Why are these distinctions important?
Consumers often attach great importance to the origin of the Canadian products they buy, whether to support the local economy, reduce the carbon footprint or guarantee certain quality standards. Understanding the difference between "Product of Canada" and "Made in Canada" helps to avoid confusion and make informed purchases.
In conclusion, if you're looking for an all-Canadian product, prefer those bearing the words "Product of Canada". If you simply want a product with a significant Canadian manufacturing contribution, "Made in Canada" may be a good alternative, provided you read the accompanying descriptive statement carefully.
5. Canadian products in grocery stores: which brands to choose?
To support the local economy and buy Canadian products, here are a few 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 : Locally-branded maple products
- Pulses and grains : Goudas, Purity, Gogo Quinoa
By promoting these Canadian products, you're supporting local producers and ensuring that you're eating quality food that meets Canadian standards.
Source: Competition Bureau Canada
6. Is This Canadian? application to check the origin of Canadian products
For consumers who want to know the origin of their purchases, the Is This Canadian? is a valuable resource. It allows you to scan a product to check if it's from Canada. With this application, you can easily identify truly Canadian products and avoid mislabeling or misleading claims.
