Proudly Canadian Fièrement Canadien™

Certification Use & Acceptable Use Policy (Comprehensive Legal Version)

Effective Date: November 4, 2025
Last Updated: December 10, 2025

1. Purpose

This Certification Use and Compliance Policy sets the rules for the lawful, ethical, and compliant use of the Proudly Canadian Fièrement Canadien™ Seal (the “Seal”) and associated membership rights.

This policy applies to all certified members, applicants, partners, authorized suppliers, advertisers, and any party granted permission to use the Seal or reference the certification system.

Use of the Seal is a privilege. It may be suspended, withdrawn, or permanently revoked for violations of this policy.

2. General Principles

All certified members must:

• Use the Seal only in connection with goods or services that meet our certification criteria
• Display it truthfully
• Maintain all certification criteria
• Comply with Canadian law
• Ensure third-party compliance
• Immediately remove the Seal upon suspension, expiration, or revocation

3. Nature of the Proudly Canadian Fièrement Canadien™ Seal

The Seal is a values-based certification mark representing a business's commitment to Canadian economic participation, ethical labour practices, environmental responsibility, and verified Canadian operations.

The Seal does NOT certify product origin, manufacturing location, content percentages, or supply chain audits.

4. Approved Uses of the Seal

Approved uses include:

• Websites
• Storefronts
• Business cards
• Email signatures
• Advertising
• Promotional materials
• Packaging only when used as a business certification—not a product-origin label

When used on packaging, members must include:

"PCFC certification identifies the business, not the product's country of origin."

5. Prohibited Uses of the Seal

Members may not:

• Misrepresent certification
• Imply the Seal certifies origin
• Alter or recreate the Seal
• Continue use after loss of certification
• Use the Seal in defamatory, harmful, or unlawful contexts

6. Competition Bureau Compliance Requirements

The Seal must never be used in a manner that:

• Confuses federally regulated origin programs
• Misleads consumers regarding product origin

Members remain fully responsible for complying with the Competition Act and other federal regulations.

7. Packaging Transitional-Use Window

A six-month transitional window applies to pre-printed packaging after certification expires.

• No new packaging may include the Seal
• After six months, all use becomes unauthorized

8. Audits, Verification & Member Responsibilities

PCFC may:

• Conduct audits
• Require documentation
• Request operational or workforce proof
• Conduct site visits

Members must fully cooperate. Failure to do so constitutes non-compliance.

9. Loss, Suspension, or Revocation of Certification

Certification may be suspended or revoked for:

• Failing criteria
• Providing false information
• Misusing the Seal
• Refusing audits
• Engaging in unethical conduct
• Damaging the Proudly Canadian Fièrement Canadien™ brand

PCFC may issue public advisories.

10. Unauthorized Use Enforcement

PCFC may:

• Issue cease-and-desist orders
• Publish warnings
• Suspend certification
• Pursue legal action for infringement
• Recover damages
• Notify regulatory authorities

11. Limitation of Liability

PCFC is not liable for:

• Business losses
• Member misrepresentation
• Regulatory breaches
• Consumer interpretation unrelated to PCFC
• Product quality

Certification does not guarantee compliance or performance.

12. Policy Updates & Acceptance

PCFC may amend this Policy at any time. Continued use of the Seal constitutes acceptance.

Members will be notified via:

• Email
• Portal updates
• Website posting

13. Governing Law

This Policy is governed by the laws of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. Disputes shall be resolved in Canadian courts unless otherwise directed by PCFC.

14. Survival

Sections on Enforcement, Liability, Governing Law, and Definitions survive termination to the extent required for enforcement.

Questions About Compliance

For questions regarding the proper use of the PCFC Seal, contact:

compliance@proudlyca.ca