Canadian Anti-Spam Law Comes Into Full Effect July 1 - Are You Ready?

Robert Kiser

In July 2014, Canada enacted The Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) - strict new regulations for bulk email. The phase-in period for CASL stretched over 3 years to allow organizations to adjust their emailing practices to align with CASL's rigorous opt-in policies and rules for suppression of unwanted email.

The grace period for CASL ends July 1, 2017, and along with full enforcement come substantial administrative penalties for email law violations of up to $10 million for businesses. While there was an 11th hour stay on the right of private legal action (against spammers) announced yesterday, the reality of potential fines make it worth the effort to study up. In a recent blog post Heather McLean explains how to ensure you're prepared for CASL to take full effect.

By the way, U.S. nonprofits are not exempt. CASL rules apply both to Canadian organization as well as any nonprofit that sends email to Canadian addresses! 

Rena Lidstone

WOW...thanks for this heads up. Unfortunately I am just learning about this and need to get moving quickly.  Can you please advise if sending the following email message to all Canadian residents in our database will suffice? "The grace period Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation ends July 1, 2017, and this may affect our ability to communicate with you. You are receiving this email because you are in our records as someone who wanted to receive communications from us.  REPLY TO THIS EMAIL if you would like to continue receiving communications from (COMPANY NAME). Should you wish to no longer receive email communications from us, please unsubscribe HERE. If you have any questions, please feel free to call XXXX.  (Include link to privacy statement)"