Product Safety and Recalls in Manitoba
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 Manitoba differs from federal law
Product safety in Manitoba is primarily governed by the federal Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA), but Manitoba's Consumer Protection Office (CPO) provides additional provincial consumer protection.
- Health Canada manages product safety recalls at the national level through recalls-rappels.canada.ca. Manufacturers, importers, and retailers must report products that pose a danger to human health or safety.
- Manitoba's Consumer Protection Office (part of Consumer Protection and Government Services) handles complaints about defective products sold in Manitoba and can mediate disputes between consumers and businesses.
- Under The Consumer Protection Act, CCSM c. C200, unfair business practices — including selling dangerous or defective products while misrepresenting them — are prohibited.
- If you are injured by a defective product, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer under Manitoba common law and The Consumer Protection Act.
- Manitoba participates in the Canadian Consumer Product Safety Program and coordinates with Health Canada on enforcement.
Additional Steps in Manitoba
Check for product recalls at recalls-rappels.canada.ca. If you have a consumer complaint about a defective product, contact the Manitoba Consumer Protection Office at 204-945-3800 or 1-800-782-0067. For product-related injuries, report the incident to Health Canada at 1-866-662-0666. Keep the product, packaging, and receipts as evidence.
Relevant Law: Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, S.C. 2010, c. 21; The Consumer Protection Act, CCSM c. C200
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.
Product Safety and Recalls in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.