Guidelines may not be the same as law but they still prove to be a useful source of information.

The Competition Bureau recently announced guidelines differentiating between the terms, "Made in Canada" and "Product of Canada." While these guidelines do not change any of the current laws, they do benefit lawyers and the businesses they represent.

"They are helpful to businesses," says Barry Zalmanowitz, a partner and co-chair of the firm’s National Competition Group. "They signify when the Competition Bureau will take enforcement action."

According to Barry, there are multiple acts that prohibit the making of false or misleading representations with respect to a product, and these guidelines will provide clarity and more direction.

As Canadians become more concerned with the origins of the products and services they consume, the Competition Bureau is taking a closer look at labelling claims. However, Barry sees a downside to these concerns.

"Is there any reason to think children’s toys manufactured in Canada would be any safer than toys manufactured in Sweden or Australia?" he says. "There are safety standards that must be met [to sell here]. You are putting businesses to a lot of expense."

Canada follows the lead of countries like Australia that provide a distinction between the terms.