CASL and cold email in Canada: a plain-language guide
Updated October 17, 2026 · 7 min read · Montegra Studios
Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) is one of the stricter email laws in the world. It applies to commercial emails sent to, from or through computers in Canada. Here is what it generally means for small businesses doing B2B outreach.
You need consent
Under CASL, you generally need consent before sending a commercial electronic message. Consent can be express (the person clearly agreed) or implied (it's reasonable to infer from your relationship or the circumstances).
Common forms of implied consent
- An existing business relationship: for example, the person bought from you in the past two years, or made an enquiry in the past six months.
- Conspicuous publication: the person published their business email address (for example on their website), did not say they don't want unsolicited messages, and your message is relevant to their business role.
- The person gave you their business email address directly, without saying they don't want messages, and your message relates to their role.
What every commercial email must include
- Your name, or the name of the business you're sending on behalf of.
- Contact information, including a mailing address and a phone number, email address or web address.
- An unsubscribe mechanism that is easy to use, works for at least 60 days after sending, and is honoured within 10 business days.
Keep records
If you're ever asked, you need to show why you had consent. Record where each contact came from, when, and what kind of consent applies. Montegra Reach keeps a consent status, source and date on every contact for this reason.
Practical habits
- Email people in their business role about things relevant to that role.
- Don't buy or scrape lists of personal email addresses.
- Put your business name and mailing address in every campaign email (Reach adds them for you).
- Honour unsubscribes immediately (Reach suppresses them automatically).
This isn't legal advice
This guide is general information, not legal advice. The rules have details and exceptions not covered here. For your specific situation, check the Canadian government's official CASL guidance or talk to a lawyer.
Put it into practice
Montegra Reach sends short sequences from your own mailbox, stops when people reply or unsubscribe, adds your business details to every campaign email, and keeps a consent record on every contact. $0 for 30 days.