Canada seeks public input on Bill C-59, addressing industry concerns over environmental claims
Canada’s Competition Bureau is soliciting public feedback on a new law designed to combat greenwashing, as reported by BNN Bloomberg.
This follows complaints from major oil industry players about the Trudeau government initiative.
The law, Bill C-59, passed in late June, mandates that companies substantiate their environmental performance claims using “internationally recognized methodology.” Non-compliance could result in tribunal or court actions and hefty fines.
Concerns over the amendment have caused alarm in Alberta’s oil industry. Pathways Alliance, an umbrella organization for oil sands companies, removed its online environmental claims last month.
The Competition Bureau’s consultation aims to clarify how the provisions will be implemented, responding to numerous requests for guidance.
The bureau is gathering comments on which environmental claims might be difficult to verify and the potential challenges companies could face. Stakeholders have until late September to provide their input.
Competition Commissioner Matthew Boswell emphasized the consultation's goal to offer transparency and predictability for Canadians.
The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers also removed material from its website after the bill’s passage. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith criticized the legislation, stating it seems intended to create chaos and uncertainty for energy investors.
Pathways Alliance expressed concern that the bill will generate significant uncertainty for Canadian companies trying to communicate their efforts to improve environmental performance and address climate change.
The Competition Bureau has a history of investigating companies over false environmental claims. In 2022, Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. agreed to pay a $3m penalty for misleading claims about the recyclability of its coffee pods.
In 2018, Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, and Porsche AG faced up to $290.5m in payments from a proposed class-action settlement for deceptive marketing around car emissions.
