Federal (Canada)Anti-spam & emerging tech
CASL - Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation
Prohibits unsolicited commercial electronic messages without express or implied consent. Requires clear identification of the sender, a working unsubscribe mechanism, and prohibits unauthorized software installation. Enforced by the CRTC, Competition Bureau, and OPC.
Who it applies to
Anyone sending commercial electronic messages (CEMs) to or from Canada, installing software on another person's device, or harvesting electronic addresses.
Common issues and topics
commercial electronic messagesexpress and implied consentunsubscribe requirementssoftware installationelectronic address harvestingCRTC enforcement
Regulations made under this Act
Last checked Jun 1, 2026 · List last updated Apr 13, 2026SOR/2012-36
Electronic Commerce Protection Regulations (CRTC)->
CRTC-made rules setting out the form, content, and unsubscribe mechanism requirements for commercial electronic messages, and prescribed information for software installation consent.
SOR/2013-221
Electronic Commerce Protection Regulations->
Governor in Council regulations prescribing additional classes of messages and senders exempt from CASL's consent requirements.