Canadian sweepstakes law is primarily governed by the Criminal Code of Canada, which sets the framework for what is considered legal gaming and betting activities across the country. However, the application and regulation of these laws can indeed vary by province, as provinces have the authority to license and regulate gaming activities within their jurisdictions.

Additionally, the Competition Act and provincial consumer protection laws play a significant role in how sweepstakes are conducted, especially regarding advertising and fair business practices.

Key Points of Canadian Sweepstakes Law:

1. No Purchase Necessary: A cornerstone of Canadian sweepstakes law is the "no purchase necessary" requirement, meaning participants must not be obligated to make a purchase to enter or win a contest. This is similar to sweepstakes laws in many other jurisdictions.
2. Skill-Testing Question: It's a common practice in Canada to require winners of sweepstakes to correctly answer a time-limited, mathematical skill-testing question before they can claim their prize. This requirement helps differentiate sweepstakes from gambling activities, which are highly regulated.
3. Adequate Disclosure: Contest organizers must provide clear and prominent disclosure of the contest rules, prize details, the number of prizes, their value, the odds of winning, and any other information affecting the chances of winning.
4. Privacy Compliance: Sweepstakes must comply with Canadian privacy laws, such as the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), ensuring the protection of personal information collected during the contest.

Provincial Variations:

• Licensing Requirements: Some provinces may require organizers to obtain a license or permit to conduct a sweepstakes, especially if the total value of the prizes exceeds a certain threshold.
• Eligibility Restrictions: Certain provinces may have specific eligibility requirements or restrictions on who can enter sweepstakes, often related to age or residency.
• Advertising Standards: Provincial consumer protection laws can also dictate how sweepstakes are advertised, requiring fairness and transparency to prevent misleading consumers.
• Quebec: Quebec has additional requirements for sweepstakes, including registration of the sweepstakes with the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ) if open to Quebec residents, payment of a duty on the total value of the prizes, and providing a French version of the contest rules and advertisements.