There is no single fact that answers every version of “Is this Canadian?” Wholly Canada uses specific labels instead of one catch-all conclusion.
Our directory classifications
- Canadian-owned
- Available evidence indicates that Canadians hold controlling ownership. Complex, public or changing ownership structures are described with appropriate qualifications.
- Canadian-founded
- The business was established in Canada or by Canadian founders. Founding history does not necessarily describe current ownership.
- Headquartered in Canada
- The company identifies its principal headquarters in Canada. A Canadian office or distributor alone is not treated as headquarters.
- Made or produced in Canada
- The profile describes where production occurs and, where known, whether imported ingredients, components or materials are involved.
- Designed in Canada
- Design or product development occurs in Canada, while manufacturing may occur elsewhere.
- Serves Canada
- The business sells, ships or provides services within Canada. This alone does not establish Canadian ownership or production.
“Product of Canada” and “Made in Canada”
These are origin representations governed by Canadian rules and Competition Bureau guidance. The Bureau describes a higher Canadian-content threshold for “Product of Canada” claims and a different threshold plus qualifying wording for “Made in Canada” claims. Wholly Canada does not award either designation. We report supported claims and link readers to the underlying evidence where practical.
Competition Bureau: “Product of Canada” and “Made in Canada” Claims
When information is uncertain
We use qualified language, identify the source of the claim, or leave a field unconfirmed. A blank or unverified field is better than false certainty. Learn more in our Verification Policy.