The Competition Bureau has accused Moose Knuckles of misleading marketing over a claim by the company that its winter parkas are made in Canada.
In an application to the Competition Tribunal, the regulator alleged the parkas marketed as made-in-Canada are mostly made in Vietnam and elsewhere in Asia.
The bureau alleges that only the finishing touches to the jackets, such as adding the trim, zippers and snaps, are done in Canada.
Moose Knuckles was not immediately available for comment.
The bureau declined an interview request, but said in a statement Wednesday it was seeking an end to what it believed to be the false or misleading claim. It also said it was seeking an administrative penalty and restitution for consumers.
“Consumers are willing to pay a premium for ‘Made in Canada’ products, and manufacturers know this,” said Matthew Boswell, senior deputy commissioner of competition.
“The bureau has taken action in order to ensure that consumers — and retailers — have the correct information to allow them to make informed purchases.”
The Moose Knuckles brand recently received a publicity boost after Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife, wore one of its red and black plaid jackets while stepping off a government plane last November in London.
The company’s coats are sold in a variety of stores.
