Product Safety and Recalls in Ontario
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 Ontario differs from federal law
Product safety is primarily regulated at the federal level by Health Canada under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act. Ontario adds additional consumer protections through the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 (CPA).
- Ontario's CPA prohibits unfair practices in consumer transactions, including selling products with misleading claims about safety or quality. This applies to both in-store and online purchases.
- If you buy a product in Ontario that turns out to be dangerous or defective, you may have rights under both the federal recall system and Ontario's implied warranties and conditions under the CPA and the Sale of Goods Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. S.1.
- Under the Ontario Sale of Goods Act, goods sold must be of merchantable quality and fit for the purpose for which they were sold. This is an implied condition — even if the seller makes no express promises.
- The Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery handles complaints about unsafe products sold by Ontario businesses and can take enforcement action under the CPA.
Additional Steps in Ontario
Check Health Canada's recall database at recalls-rappels.canada.ca for recalled products. If you were harmed by a defective product, document the injury and the product. File a consumer complaint with the Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery at ontario.ca/page/filing-consumer-complaint. You may also have a civil claim for damages against the manufacturer or seller — consult a lawyer about product liability.
Relevant Law: Consumer Protection Act, 2002, S.O. 2002, c. 30, Sched. A, ss. 14–18 (Unfair Practices); Sale of Goods Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. S.1, ss. 13–16 (Implied Conditions and Warranties); Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, S.C. 2010, c. 21
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.
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