Tobacco Control Policy Fact Sheet

Canada: Advertising, Promotion & Sponsorship

Regulated Forms of Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

Banned Some Restrictions Allowed Uncertain N/A
Domestic TV and radio (including all broadcast media such as satellite and cable)
Domestic newspapers and magazines
Other domestic print media, such as pamphlets, leaflets, flyers, posters, signs (not including print advertising at the point of sale)
International TV and radio (including all broadcast media such as satellite and cable)
International newspapers and magazines
Internet communications
Outdoor advertising (e.g., billboards, posters)
Point of sale advertising/promotion
Point of sale product display
Conventional mail
Telephone and cellular phone
Brand marking on physical structures
Free distribution of tobacco products
Promotions with a tobacco product purchase
Competitions associated with tobacco products
Direct person to person targeting of individuals
Brand stretching/trademark diversification
Reverse brand stretching or brand sharing
Toys that resemble tobacco products
Candy that resembles tobacco products
Retailer incentive programs
Paid placement of tobacco products in TV, film or other media
Unpaid depiction of tobacco use or tobacco products in media that does not serve a legitimate purpose

Regulated Forms of Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship (cont'd)

Banned Some Restrictions Allowed Uncertain N/A
Tobacco industry sponsorship of events, activities, individuals, organizations or governments
Publicity of financial or other sponsorship or support by the tobacco industry if tobacco sponsorship is not banned
Promotion by any means that are false, misleading or deceptive

Definitions of Key Terms - Alignment with the FCTC

Aligns Does not Align N/A
Tobacco Sponsorship
Tobacco Advertising and Promotion
Tobacco Product
Brand Element
Lifestyle Advertising
Information Advertising
Brand Preference Advertising
Young Person
Retailer
Sell

Actions Required for Forms of Advertising, Promotion & Sponsorship Not Banned

Required Not Required Uncertain or N/A
Disclosure to the government by the tobacco industry of information on advertising, promotion and sponsorship activities and expenditures
Health warning messages required on permitted forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship
Disclosed information readily available to the public

Penalties

Yes No
Advertising and Promotion
Sponsorship

Last updated: May 5, 2025