https://competition-bureau.canada.ca/en/contact-competition-bureau-canada
In June 2024, Canada enacted Bill C-59, amending the Competition Act to address misleading environmental claims, commonly known as “greenwashing.” These amendments require companies to substantiate any environmental claims made about their products, services, or business practices.

Key Provisions:

1. Product Performance Claims: Any representation regarding a product’s environmental benefits—such as claims about protecting or restoring the environment or mitigating climate change—must be based on an “adequate and proper test.” This ensures that companies can substantiate their claims with reliable evidence.

2. Business Practice Claims: Representations about the environmental benefits of a company’s operations or activities must be supported by “adequate and proper substantiation in accordance with internationally recognized methodology.” This broadens the scope to include claims about a company’s overall environmental impact, not just specific products.

These amendments aim to enhance transparency and prevent deceptive marketing practices related to environmental claims.

 The Competition Bureau is currently developing guidance on how companies should interpret and comply with these new requirements. Businesses are encouraged to stay informed and ensure their environmental claims are well-substantiated to align with the updated regulations.  

Citizens who wish to report potentially misleading environmental claims under the anti-greenwashing provisions of Bill C-59 can contact the Competition Bureau Canada through the following methods:

1. Online Complaint Form: Visit the Competition Bureau’s website and complete the online complaint form. This platform allows you to provide detailed information about the misleading claims you’ve encountered.
   https://competition-bureau.canada.ca/en/contact-competition-bureau-canada 

2. Telephone: Call the Competition Bureau at 1-800-348-5358 to speak directly with a representative who can guide you through the complaint process.

3. Mail: Send a written complaint to:

   Competition Bureau Canada
   50 Victoria Street
   Gatineau, QC K1A 0C9

When submitting a complaint, it’s helpful to include:

• Details of the Claim: A clear description of the environmental claim you believe is misleading.

• Evidence: Any supporting materials, such as advertisements, website screenshots, or product packaging.

• Company Information: The name and contact details of the company making the claim.

Providing comprehensive information will assist the Bureau in assessing and addressing your concerns effectively.

Key Information to Include in Your Report:

1. URL or Source Location

   • If the misleading environmental claim appears online, provide the exact URL where it can be found.
   • If it’s from a physical source (e.g., product packaging, flyers, TV ads), describe where you saw it and when.

2. Screenshots or Copies of the Claim

   • Take screenshots of the webpage, social media post, or digital ad.
   • If it’s a physical ad (e.g., billboard, newspaper, or product packaging), photograph it.
   • For TV or radio ads, note the broadcast date, channel, and time.

3. Company Information

   • Name of the company making the claim.
   • Contact details, if available (website, phone number, or physical address).

4. The Exact Environmental Claim

   • Copy and paste the wording of the claim if possible.
   • Highlight the specific statement that you believe is misleading.

5. Why You Believe the Claim is False or Misleading

   • If possible, explain why the claim may be inaccurate or deceptive.
   • Example: If a company claims to be “carbon neutral” but reports high emissions, linking to evidence (e.g., sustainability reports) would help.

6. Date and Time

   • When did you see the claim? (Include time if it’s an ad broadcast.)

7. Additional Context (Optional but Helpful)

• Has this company been warned or challenged about similar claims before?
• Any interactions with the company (e.g., if you asked them for proof and they didn’t provide it).

  I was assisted in writing this article by generative AI