Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation

CASL is Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation which came into effect on July 1, 2014. The purpose of this legislation is to minimize receipt of unsolicited electronic messages, whether in the form of email, text messages, social media or other means of telecommunication, that are sent for commercial reasons. It is also intended to reduce electronic threats to commerce, including phishing, pharming, malware and spyware.

Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation prohibits the sending of a commercial electronic message (CEM) that promotes or encourages participation in a commercial activity unless specific requirements are met. This means that anyone who sends a commercial electronic message must do the following:

  • Obtain consent from the recipient
  • Provide prescribed identification to the recipient
  • Provide an unsubscribe option on the outgoing message

Schools, school councils, student councils, trustees and employees must comply with CASL if they send CEMs that encourage participation in a commercial activity. Seeking consent is crucial. School board strategies and mechanisms to ensure compliance are being developed and implemented.

If you didn't receive an e-mail from the school asking you to confirm your consent you can do one of the following:

Links and resources

Contact information

Toll-free: 1-800-267-4350

Phone: 613-966-1170, extension 62201

Fax: 613-962-1048

Email: Director's Office