This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

Competition Bureau of Canada

Competition Bureau

Half-million dollar fine for deceptive marketing by mail

OTTAWA, August 30, 2000 - The Competition Bureau announced today that the Court of Quebec has imposed a $500,000 fine on 3181731 Canada Inc.

3181731 Canada Inc., a company doing business as Direct Health Organization, Columbus Health Centre, New Opportunities Publications and Canadian Shipment Centre, pleaded guilty to a misleading advertising offence under the Competition Act.

An investigation was launched in December 1997 in response to a number of complaints to the Bureau from people who had received samples in the mail. Consumers were being urged to purchase:

  • scented weight-loss products called Slim Scents or Thin Scents, a "fat eliminator" based on chitosan (a polysaccharide extracted from shellfish) called Absorbex;
  • a weight-loss product called Negative Calories, Orthosiphonia- Camilia Weight-Loss Plan; and
  • a get-rich quick method called the Suzanne Miller Method.

The investigation revealed that the representations made to the public in connection with these methods and products were not based on adequate and proper tests. The charges relate to misleading advertising practices by the company between December 1995 and January 1998.

"These highly sophisticated misleading advertising operations are aimed at members of the public in Canada and elsewhere who are very vulnerable," said Johanne D'Auray, Deputy Commissioner of Competition, Fair Business Practices. "This case demonstrates the determination of the Competition Bureau to attack all forms of deceptive mail marketing."

For more information, please contact:

Julie Hébert
(819) 953-4257


Complete our survey