Canada’s anti-spam legislation, Bill C-28, which received Royal Assent on December 15, 2010, will have a significant impact on the electronic communication practices of companies operating in the Canadian marketplace. Designed as one of the most stringent anti-spam regimes in the world, the legislation imposes significant restrictions on the use of electronic messages to carry out commercial activities, creating a more secure online environment.  Bill C-28 also amends a number of existing statutes, namely the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act, the Competition Act, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act and the Telecommunications Act. 

To help our clients stay up-to-date and understand the requirements of this new law, we have created this dedicated microsite containing a variety of resources to help businesses adjust their practices to achieve and maintain compliance. Over the coming weeks and months, we will be posting resources and essential updates leading up to the law coming into force. Please check back regularly for updates.

Implementation Timetable

* In light of concerns raised in submissions filed with Industry Canada and the CRTC during the first public comment period, it is anticipated that revised draft regulations and a second round of public consultations may be contemplated by Industry Canada. While the exact timetable and content of the regulations remains unclear, it is anticipated that the timeframe for implementation may be delayed.

Resources

Blakes Anti-Spam Publications

	Blakes Bulletin on Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (July 2011) - Canada’s Anti-Spam Act: The Time for Action Is Now!
	Blakes Bulletin on Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (May 2011) - Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation Ramping Up
	Blakes Bulletin on Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (April 2011) - Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation Will Impact Electronic Communication Practices

Blakes Educational Seminars

Once the regulations have been finalized, Blakes is also planning to conduct seminars across the country where you can meet face-to-face with experts on the various topics covered by the legislation and discuss how your organization can prepare for the extensive changes to the manner in which electronic messages can be communicated in the future.

Additional Resources

Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation - www.fightspam.gc.ca

	2012 Trends: Anti-Spam & Privacy
	Blakes Bulletin on Intellectual Property (January 2011) - Social Media: An Advertising Minefield?
	Blakes Bulletin on Communications/Information Technology (May 2009) - Spammers Beware: Proposed E-Commerce Protection Act Prohibits Unsolicited Commercial Electronic Messages
	Blakes Bulletin on Communications (April 2009) - CRTC Expands Exemptions to Do Not Call List

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Blakes Anti-Spam Expertise

Blakes has unmatched depth and expertise in advertising practices, information technology, communications, financial services, competition and privacy law across Canada. For more information, please contact: