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Government of Canada Protecting Canadian Consumers and Businesses: Consultations Have Begun on Draft Regulations for Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation and Fight Spam Website Launches

The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, today called attention to the regulations pursuant to Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation that were pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on July 9, 2011, for a 60-day consultation period and celebrated the launch of the Fight Spam website. On June 30, 2011, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) called for comments on its proposed regulations under the Act. The Act will likely come into force early in 2012.

"We are working to make Canadasecond to none in anti-spam legislation," said Minister Paradis. "This legislation will lead to a safer and more secure online environment, positioning Canadaas a leader in the digital economy."

The legislation aims to increase consumer confidence in electronic commerce by protecting Canadian consumers and businesses from unwanted spam and related threats. Online threats are a real concern to individuals and businesses, as they can lead to the theft of personal data, such as credit card information (identity theft), fraud involving counterfeit email and websites (phishing), and the collection of personal information through illicit access to computer systems (spyware).

"By advancing this law and its regulations, our government is standing up for Canadian consumers and businesses," said Minister Paradis. "Canadian shoppers should feel just as confident in the electronic marketplace as they do at the corner store."

The legislation allows for administrative monetary penalties to be levied against those who violate the law by sending unsolicited commercial electronic messages, installing computer programs without consent, posting or sending false or misleading online messages, and attempting to steal personal information.

The legislation also provides a private right of action, which would allow individuals and businesses to take civil action against those who violate the law.

For links to the draft regulations and for information on how Canadian consumers can better protect themselves from spam and related online threats, visit the Fight Spam website (www.fightspam.gc.ca). The site will grow to include more detailed information for consumers and businesses once the regulations are official.