The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has recently updated its guidance on the use of Official symbols of the Government of Canada to align with requirements from the Department of Canadian Heritage (PCH).
Guidance was updated regarding the use of the:
- Coat of Arms of Canada
- "Canada" Wordmark
- Government of Canada Signature
- National Flag of Canada
- maple leaf
In particular, guidance now clarifies that when using the stylized 11-point maple leaf, users must request permission from PCH by email: uds-uos@pch.gc.ca. This is not a new requirement from PCH, and the updated guidance clarifies the expectations for parties regulated by the CFIA when they use the maple leaf on food labels.
The CFIA does not enforce PCH requirements. In addition, the CFIA is not changing its enforcement approach, or inspection priorities, in relation to the use of the maple leaf on labels. For purposes of compliance and enforcement, the CFIA will continue to apply its risk-based oversight using the Standard Regulatory Response Process.