Description:
On its website, the advertiser promoted that the equipment used in its facility met specific regulated safety certification standards and that certain equipment was made in Canada.
Complaint:
The complainant challenged the accuracy of these claims noting that if untrue, customers, including the complainant, may have been misled into believing them.
Response:
In its response to Council, the advertiser advised that all of its equipment, regardless of origin, has been reviewed to ensure that it meets applicable safety and quality standards, and has been properly registered with the relevant local authorities.
Furthermore, since its opening, all core equipment originated from Canadian-based suppliers, however, one unit was manufactured in the U.S.A. and two others were imported. The advertiser acknowledged that certain components within some equipment may contain imported materials and thus revised their made in Canada claim to clarify the specific equipment to which the claim relates.
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/amended 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) and Clause 1(e) of the Code.
Infraction:
Clause 1(a), Clause 1(e)
