Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) comes into effect on July 1, 2014. It aims to protect Canadians from unwanted spam and provides guidelines for businesses on sending commercial electronic messages. Under CASL, organizations must obtain consent prior to sending commercial emails and include an unsubscribe mechanism. Express consent can be obtained through opt-in boxes, while implied consent applies to existing customers or members over the past two years. Non-compliance could result in fines up to $1,000,000 for individuals or $10,000,000 for organizations.

1. Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation
“CASL”
SQUASH ONTARIO

2. Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation
 Canada’s new anti-spam law was passed in December, 2010, and will
come into force July 1, 2014.
 Enacted to protect Canadians from unwanted SPAM and to provide
guidelines for businesses and organizations regarding how commercial
electronic messages (CEMs) should be handled.
 CASL does not apply to non-commercial messages.

3. APPLICABILITY
Who needs to know about this law?
Anyone who makes use of commercial electronic
messages needs to be aware of this law.
What is a commercial electronic message (CEM)?
Messages sent electronically where one of its purposes is
to encourage participation in a commercial activity,
regardless of whether there is an expectation of profit:
 Purchase or sell a product, goods or service
 Advertises or promotes anything referring to a product,
good or service

4. Requirements for Sending
Commercial Messages
You cannot send a commercial electronic message (CEM)
unless:
 The recipient has consented to receive it;
 The message clearly identifies the sender and provides
sufficient contact information to allow a response; and
 The message sets out an “unsubscribe” mechanism.

5. EXPRESS CONSENT
 Express Consent – When an individual gives you
permission to send them any type of message, including
CEMs.
 Signing up on your website to receive messages
 Checking a box on a paper form (membership application)
 Providing an email address, after it has been made clear you
intend to send CEMs
 Oral or written requests to receive messages
 Express Consent does not expire unless it is withdrawn by
the individual.

6. IMPLIED CONSENT
 Implied Consent – Consent can be implied in most cases where there
has been some type of business transaction or personal interaction in
the 2 years prior to sending the message.
"existing business relationship”
 Communications between organizations (NSO/PSO/Clubs/Leagues) are
exempt as there is an expectation to receive communications relevant to
the commercial or business side of the sport”
"existing non-business relationship”
 Communications to individuals who have volunteered or been a member of
your organization within the last 2 years, or who have purchased
goods and services from you in the last 2 years.

7. ENFORCEMENT
Maximum penalties
 The maximum penalty for a violation is $1,000,000 in the case of an individual, and
$10,000,000 in the case of any other person.
 Directors and Officers may also be liable for breaches by their employers or
volunteers.
 There is a reverse onus meaning you are presumed guilty unless you can show
otherwise through representations that you are entitled to make to the CRTC.

8. HOW TO COMPLY
Obtain express consent prior to July 1, 2014!
Include “Opt-In” box on any online registration or paper
application forms.
Ensure all communications clearly identify the sender and
provide sufficient contact information.
Include an “unsubscribe” mechanism on all email
communications that have a commercial message.
Maintain proper records to keep track of those who
“unsubscribe” and ensure you comply with those requests.
Maintain proper records to verify a non-business
relationship with members/volunteers in last 2 yrs.

9. New legislation coming into effect on July 1, 2014 requires
that we secure your expressed consent to continue
sending you updates, newsletters, invitations and other
communications via email.
If you wish to continue to receive communications from
______________ , please provide your expressed consent
by clicking on the link below. You may withdraw your
consent at any time.
> Click here to indicate
your consent
SAMPLE CONSENT

10. Check out our Website!
LeeAnn Cupidio
(416) 315-3524
llc@sportlaw.ca
www.sportlaw.ca