ARCHIVED - Harper Government highlights measures to protect Canadians from counterfeit goods

WINNIPEG, April 9, 2013 — Today, Candice Bergen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, highlighted the Government's efforts to combat counterfeiting at the official opening of the new Canada Goose factory in Winnipeg. The recently introduced Combating Counterfeit Products Act will give the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) new enforcement tools to better protect Canadians and Canadian businesses against commercial-scale counterfeiting and piracy activities, both at the border and domestically.

"Our Government is committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity while keeping Canadians safe," said Parliamentary Secretary Bergen. "Canadian companies like Canada Goose should be protected against having inexpensive and poor-quality knock-offs of their products competing in the marketplace putting consumers at risk, jeopardizing the company's international brand reputation and potentially supporting organized crime."

The Government of Canada is committed to giving law enforcement agencies the tools they need to stop counterfeit products at the border, long before they get into the marketplace. Bill C-56: The Combatting Counterfeit Products Act will create a new system to better enable companies to enforce their rights in Canada. Companies will be able to file a Request for Assistance with the CBSA, which will allow border services officers to share specific information with them regarding suspect shipments. Changes to the Act will also prohibit the sale, distribution, possession, importing and exporting of counterfeit goods for the purpose of trade, which will enable the RCMP to seize counterfeit goods. These activities will be subject to fines and penalties.

Parliamentary Secretary Bergen also congratulated Canada Goose on the occasion of the opening of their new factory.

"Companies like Canada Goose are fine examples of Canadians success stories," added Parliamentary Secretary Bergen. "Thanks to their innovation and leadership, companies like these are able to shine on the world stage while creating jobs and growing the Canadian economy."

Additional information on Bill C-56: The Combatting Counterfeit Products Act, including a news release, backgrounders and frequently asked questions, can be found on Industry Canada's Web site.

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Information:
Julie Carmichael
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Safety
613-991-2924

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657

Date modified:

2015-11-20