Canadian advertisers follow a set of voluntary codes and guidelines: the general Canadian Code of Advertising Standards, and the more specific Gender Portrayal Guidelines. Advertising Standards Canada (ASC) is the industry organization that administers these, and other advertising codes, and deals with complaints from the public.

Broadcast advertisements for alcohol are regulated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) through the Code for Broadcast Advertising of Alcoholic Beverages. The ASC pre-clears alcohol advertisements, and deals with complaints about any that may contravene the Code.

Tobacco advertising in Canada is regulated through the federal government's Tobacco Act.

Broadcast advertisements directed at children under 12 follow a set of voluntary guidelines called the Broadcast Code for Advertising to Children (except in Quebec, where advertising to children is prohibited). This code was developed by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB), in cooperation with ASC; and compliance with it is set by the CRTC as a condition of licence for Canadian broadcasters.