Summary: Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation is among the strictest email marketing laws in the world. Here is how to stay compliant.
Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) governs commercial electronic messages sent to or from Canada. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
Consent comes first
CASL requires express or implied consent before sending commercial emails. Express consent should be clear and recorded.
Implied consent
Existing business relationships can create implied consent for a limited period. Track when it expires.
Identify yourself
Every message must identify the sender and include contact information.
Easy unsubscribe
Include a simple unsubscribe mechanism and act on requests promptly.
Keep records
Store evidence of when and how consent was obtained.
FAQs
Does CASL apply to B2B emails?
Yes, it covers commercial messages to businesses too.
Can we email contacts from a trade show?
Only with appropriate consent; check the specific circumstances.
Who enforces CASL?
The CRTC, alongside other federal bodies.
