The Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce is raising the alarm about new 'anti-spam' regulations the federal government has recently announced. The concern comes as a result of a bulletin issued by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
“This legislation has taken a ‘ban-all’ approach to regulating commercial electronic messages (CEM’s)”, said Kevin Hargreaves, chamber president. “It will have a serious effect on all e-mails, and other social media messaging that businesses send in a commercial context.”
Under the legislation, all commercial enterprises will need to obtain permission from their intended receiver to send an e-mail.
But, that business may not get that permission by sending an e-mail and will be forced to set up a database that proves it has permission to send a CEM.
According to reports received by the chamber, the legislation affects every single business, association, club, charitable organization and foundation that conducts activities in Canada.
Administrative penalties for non-compliance can be high — up to $1 million for individuals and up to $10 million for corporations.
The chamber plans to lobby the region’s MP and Industry Canada as part of a country-wide campaign involving the Canadian chamber and chambers of commerce across Canada.
