Description:
A website banner advertised the business as being, “a proudly Canadian brand”.
Complaint:
The complainant challenged the accuracy of the origin claim because the advertiser is located in the U.S.A. where all of its products are produced and shipped from, noting the only thing Canadian about them is that the co-founders are Canadian citizens.
Response:
In its response to Council, the advertiser advised that it permanently removed the claim from its website.
Decision:
Council appreciated the advertiser’s response and considered the complaint together with the advertiser’s submission.
Given the Code violation was obvious, and the advertiser acknowledged there was a mistake with the advertisement at issue and confirmed they have removed the erroneous advertisement, Council determined a debate of the complaint’s merits was not necessary and held that there was a violation of Clause 1(a) of the Code.
Infraction:
Clause 1(a)
