Advertising preclearance
Health Canada is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians by establishing regulatory standards for health product advertising. Preclearance of advertising material by arms-length agencies remains voluntary for industry, but Health Canada strongly recommends it. Industry is responsible for meeting federally legislated advertising requirements.
Disclaimer
Only agencies that have notified Health Canada of their public attestation to meeting Health Canada's criteria are included. Although Health Canada collaborates with these agencies, this list does not constitute recognition or endorsement. It is provided as a resource for consumers and industry to make informed choices when selecting a preclearance agency for advertising review.
Health Canada is the national regulatory authority for health product advertising. Advertisements must not be false, misleading or deceptive. To support this, Health Canada provides policies to effectively regulate marketed health products, issues guidelines for interpreting the Regulations and oversees regulated advertising activities.
Health Canada applies a risk-based approach to compliance and enforcement activities and reserves the right to enforce the advertising provisions under federal legislation.
List of Canadian advertising preclearance agencies
Section 1: Agencies that have notified Health Canada that they have publicly self-attested to meeting Health Canada's recommended criteria for the preclearance of advertising material of non-prescription drugs and natural health products directed to consumers
- Toronto Office (Ad Standards)
33 Bloor Street East, Suite 303
Toronto, ON M4W 3H1
Phone: 416-961-6311
Email: info@adstandards.ca
- Montreal Office (Normes de la publicité)
1275 Ave des Canadiens-de-Montréal
Bureau 500
Montréal, QC H3B 0G4
Phone: 514-931-8060
Email: info@normespub.ca
Section 2: Agencies recognized by Health Canada for advertising material for all health products directed to health professionals
Pharmaceutical Advertising Advisory Board
203-1305 Pickering Parkway
Pickering, ON L1V 3P2
Phone: 905-509-2275
Email: info@paab.ca
Section 3: Agencies that provide advisory opinions on messages directed to consumers for prescription drugs and on educational material discussing a medical condition or disease
Pharmaceutical Advertising Advisory Board
203-1305 Pickering Parkway
Pickering, ON L1V 3P2
Phone: 905-509-2275
Email: info@paab.ca
- Toronto Office (Ad Standards)
33 Bloor Street East, Suite 303
Toronto, ON M4W 3H1
Phone: 416-961-6311
Email: info@adstandards.ca
- Montreal Office (Normes de la publicité)
1275 Ave des Canadiens-de-Montréal
Bureau 500
Montréal, QC H3B 0G4
Phone: 514-931-8060
Email: info@normespub.ca