Product Safety and Recalls in Alberta
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The federal Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) gives Health Canada the power to order mandatory recalls of unsafe consumer products. Manufacturers and importers must report serious incidents — including injuries, deaths, and defects — to Health Canada.
Penalties for breaking the rules are serious: up to $5 million in fines and/or 2 years in prison. Some products are banned outright, including baby walkers.
You can report unsafe products and check the recall database at healthycanadians.gc.ca.
When does it apply?
- Covers all consumer products manufactured, imported, advertised, or sold in Canada.
- Does not cover food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, or vehicles — those fall under separate legislation.
What to Do If a Product Injures You or Is Recalled in Canada
- Check recalls regularly at healthycanadians.gc.ca, especially for children's products.
- Stop using recalled products immediately and follow the recall instructions.
- Report unsafe products to Health Canada if something injures you or seems dangerous.
- Keep your receipts — you may need them to get a refund or replacement.
- Seek medical attention right away if you are injured by a product.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't ignore recall notices — recalled products can cause serious injuries or death.
- Don't keep using a recalled product even if it seems fine. The risk may not be obvious.
- Don't assume the government tests every product before it goes on sale — they don't.
- Don't throw away a defective product before documenting the problem with photos and notes. You may need it as evidence.
How Alberta differs from federal law
Product safety in Alberta is governed by both federal legislation (the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act) and provincial consumer protection law. Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction is the provincial ministry responsible for consumer protection.
- The federal Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) prohibits the sale of unsafe consumer products and gives Health Canada the authority to issue mandatory recalls. Recalls are posted at healthycanadians.gc.ca.
- Alberta's Consumer Protection Act, RSA 2000, c. C-26.3, provides additional protections against unfair business practices, including selling products that are defective or unsafe.
- The Fair Trading Act, RSA 2000, c. F-2, prohibits unfair practices in consumer transactions, including making false or misleading representations about a product's safety, quality, or performance.
- If you are injured by a defective product, you may have a claim under Alberta common law product liability. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held liable for injuries caused by defective products.
- Service Alberta investigates consumer complaints and can take enforcement action against businesses engaged in unfair practices.
Additional Steps in Alberta
Check for recalled products at healthycanadians.gc.ca/recalls. To report an unsafe product, contact Health Canada at 1-866-662-0666. For Alberta consumer complaints, contact Service Alberta at 1-877-427-4088 or file a complaint online at alberta.ca/consumer-protection. If you are injured by a defective product, consult a personal injury lawyer through the Law Society of Alberta at 1-800-661-1095. Keep the product, packaging, and receipts as evidence.
Relevant Law: Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, SC 2010, c. 21; Consumer Protection Act, RSA 2000, c. C-26.3; Fair Trading Act, RSA 2000, c. F-2
Common Questions
When does product safety and recalls apply?
Covers all consumer products manufactured, imported, advertised, or sold in Canada.Does not cover food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, or vehicles — those fall under separate legislation.
What should I do if a product I bought in Canada injured me or was recalled?
Check recalls regularly at healthycanadians.gc.ca, especially for children's products.Stop using recalled products immediately and follow the recall instructions.Report unsafe products to Health Canada if something injures you or seems dangerous.Keep your receipts — you may need them to get a refund or replacement.Seek medical attention right away if you are injured by a product.
What mistakes should I avoid with product safety and recalls?
Don't ignore recall notices — recalled products can cause serious injuries or death.Don't keep using a recalled product even if it seems fine. The risk may not be obvious.Don't assume the government tests every product before it goes on sale — they don't.Don't throw away a defective product before documenting the problem with photos and notes. You may need it as evidence.
Legal Resources
We may earn a commission if you use these services — at no extra cost to you. This supports our mission to make legal information free for everyone.