Weight Loss Coaching - Misleading Representation

In October 2005, the Competition Bureau became aware of bulk faxes being sent to the public with a logo that closely resembled the Government of Canada’s logo (a Maple Leaf between two bars), and a bilingual name closely resembling that of Health Canada.

A Bureau examination was conducted under the misrepresentations to the public provision of the Competition Act, section 74.01. The examination showed that the logo and written representation could mislead consumers into thinking the Government of Canada, and more specifically, Health Canada, either endorsed or was affiliated with the weight loss Coaching Program being advertised by the company.

A Bureau officer contacted the head of the company to discuss the issues raised by the faxes. As a result of this contact, the company agreed to ensure that future faxes would not have any representations on them that implied Government of Canada approval or endorsement.

This issue was resolved in October 2005.

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