To ensure that commercial messages broadcast on its television or radio stations are not false, misleading or unfair, and do not exploit children, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) follows a set of guidelines: its Advertising Standards. Advertisements must also comply with the broadcasting regulations of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, and any other applicable laws or regulations.

The CBC’s Advertising Standards code contains general principles regarding truth in advertising, standards of taste, and advocacy advertising; and also guidelines for political advertising, the advertising of alcohol, commercial contests, testimonials or endorsements, and advertising aimed at children.

The Advertising Standards department of the CBC is responsible for applying these criteria, and approving all commercial messages before broadcasting them. Consumers who wish to complain about any advertising content on CBC television or radio should contact the Audience Relations Department at: 1-866-306-4636 or by e-mail (see right sidebar).

Advertising Standards (Full Text)