Government of Canada launches new public engagement on Geographical Indications

The Government of Canada has recently launched a public engagement on the Canadian geographical indications (GI) regime, which opened on May 28th, 2026. The engagement on GIs seeks to assess whether the current framework, limited to wines, spirits, and certain agricultural and food products (such as dairy products, meats, fruits, cereals etc.), should be expanded. 

At its core, this initiative signals modernization of the GI regime, and an effort to better reflect the realities of Canada’s economic and cultural landscape. It also underscores a growing recognition that GIs are not only a form of IP, but are valuable economic and branding tools, particularly for products grounded in longstanding cultural traditions and practices. Also, it brings to the fore that Canada has somewhat lagged behind global trends, with jurisdictions such as the EU, China, and India already extending GI protection to a broader range of goods, including crafts, textiles, and ceramics.

More broadly, the consultation invites industry input on how an expanded GI regime could support innovation, enhance the visibility of Canadian products, and strengthen the commercial position of Canadian producers both locally and internationally. A key focus of the engagement is the protection and promotion of Indigenous knowledge, Indigenous cultural expressions, and the use of Indigenous place names. 

What are Geographical Indications and what do they protect?

GIs serve as indicators that link a product’s quality, reputation, or characteristics to its geographic origin. For example, Tequila from Mexico, Champagne from France and Parmigiano Reggiano from Italy. Unlike trademarks, which identify a single commercial source, GIs protect a collective reputation tied to a place. 

In Canada, the GI regime is incorporated in the Trademarks Act and prohibits the use of a protected GI on products that do not originate in the designated region or comply with applicable production standards. While the legal framework is well established, it remains underutilized locally, as of the over 800 registered GIs in Canada, fewer than 30 are for GIs of Canadian origin. This limited uptake reflects, in part, the narrow scope of the Canadian GI regime, and the fact that its development to date has not fully responded to domestic realities.

Bringing new focus to Indigenous knowledge and cultural expression

An important feature of the consultation is its focus on reconciliation and Canada’s commitment to protection of Indigenous peoples and their rights. To date, there have been longstanding concerns about the ability of existing IP frameworks to adequately protect Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions. Traditional IP systems tend to emphasize individual ownership and time-limited rights, whereas Indigenous perspectives often centre on collective management, continuity, and connection to land. 

Against this backdrop, the Government is exploring whether GIs could serve as a complementary tool, alongside other types of IP, to help protect and promote Indigenous cultural traditions and products. Following prior consultations and engagements, it has been acknowledged that certain features of GIs may align better with indigenous practices. For example, GIs are collective in nature (owned by “responsible authorities”), are tied to a place, and can endure indefinitely so long as the connection between product and geographical location is maintained. 

However, while these characteristics may align more closely with Indigenous values and governance models, important questions remain such as how “responsible authorities” would be structured, how Indigenous laws and protocols would be reflected, and how to avoid the exclusion of communities with shared traditions where knowledge and practices transcend boundary lines. From this backdrop, the consultation properly recognizes that GIs are not a complete solution, but rather a potential mechanism within a broader IP framework.

Key takeaways for businesses and indigenous communities

Overall, the engagement on GIs is a welcome and forward-looking initiative. It provides businesses, industry groups, and Indigenous communities with an opportunity to contribute their perspectives, assess possible benefits from GIs protection in an expanded regime, while also raising pertinent questions about potential industry and sectorial impacts. At a policy level, the consultation raises the question of whether Canada should expand the scope of GIs within its existing IP framework to support economic development and cultural preservation, particularly in response to evolving domestic needs and realities.

The consultation remains open until August 27, 2026, and members of the public who are interested can submit feedback to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada here.

If you have any questions about Geographical Indications and how they relate to your IP strategy, reach out to a member of our Trademarks team. 

This article was prepared with assistance from summer student  Xianda Gao.