Self-regulation of Children's Advertising in Canada

Canada has one of the strongest frameworks in the world for regulating advertising directed to children under 12 years of age. Canada's system starts with preclearance of food commercials under the provisions of the Food and Drugs Act and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Food Labelling for Industry (CFIA Industry Labelling Tool).

Additionally, children's food and beverage commercials are subject to the requirements of The Broadcast Code for Advertising to Children. Adherence to this broadcast code, including preclearance of each children's commercial by a committee that includes industry and parent representatives, is a condition of broadcast license by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission. Canada's self-regulatory system also includes a rigorous system for responding to consumer complaints about advertisements under the provisions of Canadian Code of Advertising Standards (Code), which covers all media. The Code and its Interpretation Guidelines include special provisions regarding advertising to children.