Canada Legal Notices

AQNOVA MARKETPLACE

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Comprehensive Compliance & Platform Governance Reference

LEGAL NOTICES & COMPLIANCE DISCLOSURES

Avis Juridiques et Divulgations de Conformite — Canada

Effective Date: April 7, 2026 | Version 1.0 | Arivon Holding Corporation

This Canada Legal Notices document ("Canada Notices") contains all mandatory regulatory disclosures, compliance statements, and legal notices required of AqNova Marketplace, operated by Arivon Holding Corporation ("AqNova," "we," "us," "our"), in connection with its commercial operations targeting users in Canada, including all ten provinces and three territories.

Canada has a layered legal framework in which federal law governs matters within federal jurisdiction — including interprovincial and international trade, telecommunications, banking, and privacy — while provincial and territorial law governs matters within provincial jurisdiction, including most consumer protection, contracts, and property law. AqNova is required to comply with both federal and applicable provincial/territorial laws simultaneously. This document addresses both layers comprehensively.

These notices supplement and are incorporated into the AqNova Platform Terms & Conditions (Section 2). In all matters governed by mandatory Canadian federal or provincial law, that mandatory law prevails over any conflicting Platform terms.

9.3.1 Federal Governing Law — Applicable Statutes & Regulations

AqNova's Canadian operations are governed by the following federal statutes and regulations, administered by the respective federal departments and agencies:

9.3.2 Canada Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) — Full Compliance Framework

A. What Is a Commercial Electronic Message (CEM)?

Under CASL, a Commercial Electronic Message is any electronic message (including email, SMS/text, instant messaging, and social media direct messages) sent to an electronic address where one of the purposes of the message is to encourage participation in a commercial activity, regardless of whether there is an expectation of profit. AqNova sends CEMs in the following categories:

Marketing and promotional emails: new product announcements, sale events, curated vendor spotlights, sustainability features, and promotional offers.

SMS marketing messages: opt-in text alerts for order updates, flash sales, and account notifications where the user has expressly consented.

Vendor onboarding and upsell communications: Platform feature announcements, subscription upgrade offers, and program invitations sent to Vendors.

Newsletter and editorial content: AqNova's sustainability-focused editorial newsletter, where opted in.

Transactional and relationship messages — including order confirmations, shipping notifications, password resets, account security alerts, and legally required disclosures — are not CEMs under CASL and do not require consent. These messages are sent to all users as necessary for Platform operation and account management.

B. Consent Requirements Under CASL

CASL requires AqNova to have valid consent — either express or implied — before sending any CEM to a Canadian recipient. The following framework governs AqNova's consent practices:

C. Mandatory CEM Content Requirements (CASL s. 6)

Every CEM sent by AqNova to a Canadian recipient must contain the following information, as required by CASL Section 6(2) and the CASL Regulations:

Sender identification: AqNova's full legal name (Arivon Holding Corporation, operating as AqNova Marketplace) and, where applicable, the name of any third party on whose behalf the message is sent.

Mailing address: AqNova's current valid mailing address (C/O Arivon Holding Corporation, 2571 Saturn Avenue, Unit #265, Huntington Park, CA 90255, USA).

Contact information: either a telephone number, email address, or web address where the recipient can contact AqNova. AqNova uses: support@aqnova.co; or [aqnova.co/contact].

Unsubscribe mechanism: a clearly displayed, easily accessible, and functional mechanism that allows the recipient to unsubscribe from future CEMs. AqNova's unsubscribe link is included in the footer of every marketing email. The unsubscribe process requires no more than one step and does not require the recipient to create an account or log in.

AqNova's unsubscribe mechanism is processed within 10 business days of receipt of the unsubscribe request, as required by CASL Section 11. Once an unsubscribe request is processed, AqNova does not send further marketing CEMs to that address, and does not transfer that address to any third-party marketing service without renewed consent.

D. CASL's Computer Program Consent Requirements (CASL s. 8)

CASL Section 8 prohibits the installation of computer programs on another person's computer system without express consent. AqNova's compliance obligations under Section 8 include:

Cookies and tracking technologies: AqNova obtains consent for the installation of non-essential cookies on Canadian users' devices through its cookie consent management platform, consistent with CASL Section 8 and the guidance of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC). Essential cookies necessary for Platform operation are permitted without consent.

Mobile application installation: AqNova's mobile applications are distributed through official app stores (Apple App Store, Google Play Store). The app's functionality and data collection are clearly described in the app store listing. No background program installation occurs without disclosure.

Software updates: Where AqNova's Platform requires updates to browser extensions or other software components, users are notified in advance and updates are not installed silently.

AqNova's Cookie Policy (Section 4 of the Platform Governance Documents) provides full details of the cookies and tracking technologies used on the Platform, their purpose, duration, and how Canadian users can manage their preferences.

E. CASL Enforcement & Penalties

CASL is enforced by three federal agencies: the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) for the core CEM provisions; the Competition Bureau for false or misleading representations in CEMs; and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) for personal information collection in connection with contravening CASL. Administrative monetary penalties under CASL can reach CAD $1 million per violation for individuals and CAD $10 million per violation for organizations.

CASL also provides a private right of action for persons affected by CASL violations (CASL ss. 47–56), allowing affected individuals to claim actual damages, statutory damages of CAD $200 per contravening CEM (up to CAD $1 million per day for mass CEMs), and, in the case of directors and officers, personal liability for corporate violations where they directed, authorized, or assented to the violation.

AqNova maintains documented records of all consent obtained from Canadian recipients, including the date, method, and purpose of consent, for a minimum of 3 years following the last CEM sent to the recipient, in accordance with CASL compliance best practices and OPC guidance.

9.3.3 Competition Act — Pricing, Promotional Practices & Testimonials

The Competition Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. C-34), administered by the Competition Bureau, prohibits a wide range of deceptive and anti-competitive commercial practices. AqNova's commercial activities on the Platform — and the commercial activities of all Vendors operating on the Platform — must comply with the Competition Act's consumer protection provisions. AqNova requires all Vendors to comply with these provisions as a condition of Platform participation.

Section 74.01 of the Competition Act prohibits making a representation to the public that is false or misleading in a material respect. A representation is misleading if the general impression it conveys — taking into account both what is stated and what is omitted — is false or deceptive, regardless of the literal truth of any individual statement. Misleading advertising may result in civil penalties up to CAD $10 million for a first violation by an organization, or a fine in an amount equal to three times the benefit derived.

AqNova's obligations and enforcement mechanisms include:

Pre-listing compliance review: AqNova reviews all new vendor listings for misleading product descriptions, unsubstantiated claims, and false pricing representations before activation.

Ongoing monitoring: AqNova deploys automated and manual monitoring tools to identify misleading listings, false advertising, and price manipulation on the Platform.

User reporting: Buyers and Vendors may report suspected misleading representations through the Platform's 'Report this listing' feature or by contacting compliance@aqnova.co.

Vendor accountability: Vendors found to have published misleading representations are subject to listing removal, account suspension, and referral to the Competition Bureau where warranted.

Section 74.01(2) of the Competition Act specifically addresses deceptive price representations, including the common practice of advertising goods at a "sale" price relative to an inflated or fictitious "regular" or "original" price. The following rules govern all promotional pricing on the Platform:

Ordinary selling price requirement: A Vendor may only represent a price as a reduction from an "ordinary," "regular," or "original" price if that reference price was the price at which the product was ordinarily sold — meaning it was sold at that price for a substantial period and in substantial volume before the promotional period. The Competition Bureau's Ordinary Selling Price (OSP) test requires that goods were sold at the reference price for at least 50% of the time during the pre-promotional period, or sold in substantial volume at that price.

Competitor price comparisons: Comparisons to competitors' prices must be accurate and based on genuine comparisons to actual prices charged by identified competitors for identical or substantially similar goods. The identified competitor must actually sell the product at or near the comparison price at the time of the advertisement.

Drip pricing prohibition: All mandatory charges (taxes, shipping fees, platform fees passed to consumers) must be included in the total displayed price, or disclosed prominently before the consumer is required to pay. AqNova displays the total price inclusive of applicable taxes at checkout and does not introduce hidden mandatory charges late in the transaction.

"Free" offers: Where a product is offered as "free" or at no additional cost with another purchase, all conditions and limitations must be clearly disclosed before the transaction is completed.

C. Performance Representations & Testimonials — Section 74.01(1)(b)

The Competition Act requires that performance claims (e.g., "tested and proven to reduce energy consumption by 40%") and testimonials used in advertising be based on adequate and proper testing conducted prior to the advertisement. AqNova's requirements for Vendors making performance claims or using testimonials include:

Performance claims: Vendors must hold competent and reliable scientific or empirical evidence substantiating any performance, efficacy, or comparative claim before publishing such claim in a listing. Testing must be conducted prior to publication. Results must reflect typical user experience, not best-case scenarios.

Testimonials and endorsements: Testimonials used by Vendors must reflect the honest, genuine opinions of the endorser at the time of the testimonial. Paid or incentivized testimonials must be clearly and conspicuously disclosed. Testimonials must not be presented as independent consumer opinions where they are paid endorsements.

AI-generated testimonials: AqNova prohibits the use of AI-generated fake reviews or testimonials. All reviews must represent genuine human purchaser experiences.

Influencer marketing disclosure: Vendor marketing through social media influencers or affiliate partners must include clear disclosure of the material commercial relationship, consistent with the Competition Bureau's Deceptive Marketing Practices guidance and the OPC's guidance on privacy and targeted advertising.

E. Anti-Competitive Conduct — Part VIII Competition Act

AqNova's Platform operations are designed to promote competition among Vendors and to avoid anti-competitive arrangements. AqNova does not engage in: agreements with Vendors to fix prices or allocate markets (criminal conspiracy under Section 45); resale price maintenance (civil provision under Section 76); abuse of dominant position (Section 79, where applicable); or exclusive dealing or tied selling that substantially prevents or lessens competition (Sections 77–78).

Vendors are prohibited from using the Platform's messaging systems or other Platform features to collude with other Vendors on pricing, inventory, or market allocation. AqNova will report confirmed anti-competitive conduct by Vendors to the Competition Bureau.

A. PIPEDA Application to AqNova

The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA, S.C. 2000, c. 5) is Canada's federal private sector privacy law. PIPEDA applies to AqNova's collection, use, and disclosure of personal information in the course of commercial activities, in all provinces and territories except where a substantially similar provincial law applies. Substantially similar provincial privacy legislation has been enacted in Quebec (Law 25 / Act Respecting the Protection of Personal Information in the Private Sector), British Columbia (PIPA BC), and Alberta (PIPA Alberta). In those provinces, the provincial law governs with respect to intra-provincial commercial activities, while PIPEDA continues to govern inter-provincial and international transfers of personal information.

B. PIPEDA's Ten Fair Information Principles

PIPEDA is built around ten fair information principles derived from the Canadian Standards Association's Model Code for the Protection of Personal Information (CAN/CSA-Q830-96). AqNova's privacy practices are designed to comply with all ten principles:

C. Mandatory Data Breach Reporting (Digital Privacy Act Amendments)

The Digital Privacy Act (S.C. 2015, c. 32) amended PIPEDA to introduce mandatory breach of security safeguards reporting and notification requirements, which came into force on November 1, 2018. AqNova's breach response obligations under PIPEDA are:

Internal breach assessment: AqNova assesses all actual and suspected breaches of security safeguards to determine whether there is a real risk of significant harm to affected individuals.

OPC reporting: Where a breach poses a real risk of significant harm, AqNova notifies the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada as soon as feasible after determining that the breach has occurred.

Individual notification: AqNova notifies affected individuals directly and as soon as feasible where the breach poses a real risk of significant harm. Notification includes a description of the breach, the information involved, steps AqNova has taken, and steps the individual can take to reduce harm.

Breach log: AqNova maintains a breach of security safeguards log covering all breaches assessed under PIPEDA, regardless of whether they were determined to pose a real risk of significant harm, and makes the log available to the OPC upon request.

9.3.5 Canadian AML & KYC Compliance — PCMLTFA

The Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA, S.C. 2000, c. 17) and its associated regulations impose compliance obligations on reporting entities, including money services businesses (MSBs), that facilitate financial transactions in Canada. AqNova's payment processing activities, vendor payouts, and cross-border transaction facilitation may engage PCMLTFA reporting entity obligations, particularly where AqNova qualifies as a payment service provider under the PCMLTFA's expanded definitions.

AqNova's PCMLTFA compliance framework includes: KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures for all vendors processing above applicable transaction thresholds; transaction monitoring for suspicious patterns including structuring, rapid payout cycles, and abnormal cross-border flows; Suspicious Transaction Reporting (STR) to FINTRAC where required; Large Cash Transaction Reporting (LCTR) where applicable; and maintenance of records for the periods required by the PCMLTFA regulations.

Vendors who are themselves reporting entities under the PCMLTFA (e.g., businesses providing money services, financial intermediaries) must disclose this status to AqNova at onboarding and must ensure their PCMLTFA compliance programs apply to their Platform activities independently of AqNova's compliance program.

A. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Requirements

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) administers Canada's customs laws, including the Customs Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. 1 (2nd Supp.)), the Customs Tariff (S.C. 1997, c. 36), and associated regulations. All cross-border shipments to Canadian addresses must comply with CBSA requirements, as follows:

Customs declaration: All imported goods must be accurately declared on the appropriate customs documentation (CBSA Form B3, CBSA Form B15 for low-value courier shipments, or equivalent). Declarations must state the accurate value for duty (transaction value), country of origin, and HS (Harmonized System) tariff classification code.

De minimis threshold: As of 2024, goods shipped to Canada by courier with a value up to CAD $40 are exempt from duty and taxes; goods with a value up to CAD $150 are exempt from duty (but not from taxes including GST/HST/PST). Goods above CAD $150 are subject to both customs duties and taxes. AqNova displays the applicable threshold and whether duties are the buyer's responsibility at checkout for cross-border orders.

Prohibited and restricted goods: Certain goods are prohibited from importation into Canada (including controlled substances, certain weapons, hate propaganda, and goods subject to sanctions) or are restricted (requiring import permits, health certificates, or CFIA authorization). Vendors must identify and disclose applicable import restrictions for their products.

CFIA requirements: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates the importation of food, plants, animals, and related products. Vendors shipping applicable product categories to Canadian addresses must comply with CFIA import requirements, including required permits, labeling, and inspection clearances.

Health Canada requirements: Products regulated by Health Canada (including natural health products, cosmetics, medical devices, and certain food products) may require pre-market authorization, DIN/NPN registration, or import permits before being sold to Canadian consumers.

B. CUSMA / USMCA Preferential Tariff Treatment

The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA, known in the US as USMCA) provides preferential tariff rates for qualifying goods of US or Mexican origin shipped to Canada. Vendors shipping from the United States or Mexico to Canadian buyers may be eligible to claim CUSMA preferential tariff treatment, subject to: meeting the applicable rules of origin under CUSMA Annex 4-B; providing a valid Certificate of Origin or origin declaration; and meeting the de minimis rules applicable to the shipment value.

Vendors shipping CUSMA-eligible goods to Canada are responsible for providing the required origin documentation. AqNova provides guidance to Vendors on CUSMA origin documentation requirements through the Vendor compliance portal at [aqnova.co/ca-trade-compliance].

A. AqNova's GST/HST Marketplace Facilitator Role

The Government of Canada has enacted digital economy GST/HST rules under the Excise Tax Act, effective July 1, 2021, that extend marketplace GST/HST collection obligations to digital platform operators ("digital platform operators" or "DPOs"). Under these rules, AqNova may be required to collect and remit GST/HST on qualifying supplies facilitated through the Platform, as follows:

B. Provincial Sales Tax (PST/QST/RST) Obligations

In addition to federal GST/HST, provincial sales taxes apply in several Canadian provinces. AqNova's provincial sales tax compliance is as follows:

C. Canadian Digital Platform Reporting (DAC7 Equivalent)

Canada has implemented digital platform information reporting rules under the Income Tax Act (enacted by S.C. 2023, c. 26 — Bill C-32 implementing rules from the OECD's Model Rules for Reporting by Platform Operators). Effective January 1, 2024, AqNova, as a qualifying platform operator, is required to collect and report information on qualifying sellers using the Platform to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Reportable information includes seller name, address, TIN (Tax Identification Number), platform sales income, and other prescribed data. Annual reports are due to the CRA by January 31 of the year following the reportable period. AqNova notifies affected Vendors of their reporting status and provides them with a copy of the information filed with the CRA by January 31.

A. Canadian Human Rights Act

The Canadian Human Rights Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. H-6) prohibits discrimination in the provision of goods, services, facilities, or accommodation customarily available to the general public on the grounds of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability, or conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or a record suspension has been ordered. AqNova's Platform, policies, and practices are designed to comply with the Canadian Human Rights Act and equivalent provincial human rights codes in all provinces.

B. Accessible Canada Act (ACA) & Provincial Accessibility Laws

The Accessible Canada Act (S.C. 2019, c. 10) requires federally regulated organizations to proactively identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility for persons with disabilities. AqNova's Platform is designed to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards and targets compliance with:

Accessible Canada Act — federal accessibility requirements applicable to AqNova's federally regulated activities.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) — Ontario's integrated accessibility standards, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0 Level AA) for public-facing websites and web applications.

Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) — Manitoba's accessibility standards, including customer service and information and communications standards.

Nova Scotia Accessibility Act — Nova Scotia's accessibility framework for public-facing organizations.

Users who experience accessibility barriers on the Platform are invited to contact accessibility@aqnova.co. AqNova will acknowledge accessibility requests within 5 Business Days and will work diligently to address substantive barriers.

9.3.9 Ontario — Consumer Protection Act, 2002

The Consumer Protection Act, 2002 (S.O. 2002, c. 30, Sched. A) ("Ontario CPA") is Ontario's principal consumer protection statute, administered by the Consumer Services Operations division of the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery. The Ontario CPA applies to all consumer transactions where the consumer is a resident of Ontario.

A. Internet Agreement Requirements (O. Reg. 17/05)

Ontario Regulation 17/05 under the Ontario CPA prescribes specific information that must be disclosed to consumers before they are bound by an internet agreement (s. 32 O. Reg. 17/05). AqNova provides the following prescribed information on the checkout page, order confirmation email, and Platform policy pages:

AqNova's full name, address, telephone number, and email address.

A description of the goods or services, including specifications or features.

The total amount the consumer must pay, including all applicable taxes and delivery charges, or the method by which the total will be determined where it cannot be stated in advance.

The currency in which payment must be made.

The payment methods accepted.

The delivery date or range of dates on which the goods will be delivered or the services performed.

The cancellation, return, exchange, and refund policy, including any restrictions or conditions.

Any warranty or guarantee available with respect to the goods or services.

Whether the agreement is for a fixed period or ongoing, and any renewal or cancellation terms.

In addition, Ontario Regulation 17/05, Section 40 requires AqNova to send the consumer an electronic copy of the internet agreement, express terms, and the prescribed information on a durable medium within the period prescribed after the agreement is entered into. AqNova's Order Confirmation email fulfills this obligation. If AqNova fails to provide a copy within the prescribed period, the consumer may cancel the agreement within one year of the date the consumer entered into the agreement.

B. Unfair Practices (Ontario CPA Part III)

The Ontario CPA prohibits unfair practices in consumer transactions, including false, misleading, or deceptive representations about goods or services; unconscionable representations; and representations that take advantage of a consumer's inability to reasonably protect their own interests. AqNova's listing standards and pre-contract disclosure requirements are designed to comply with the Ontario CPA's unfair practices provisions for all Ontario consumers.

9.3.10 British Columbia — Business Practices & Consumer Protection Act

The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act (S.B.C. 2004, c. 2) ("BC BPCPA") is British Columbia's principal consumer protection statute, administered by Consumer Protection BC. The BC BPCPA applies to all consumer transactions involving a consumer who is a resident of British Columbia.

Internet sales contracts (s. 1 BC BPCPA & Division 2 of the Internet Sales Contract Regulation, B.C. Reg. 81/2004): All internet sales contracts with BC consumers must include prescribed disclosures. BC consumers have a 7-day cooling-off right to cancel an internet sales contract, beginning the day after the consumer receives a copy of the contract, if AqNova fails to provide the required copy.

Deceptive acts or practices (Part 2 BC BPCPA): Prohibits deceptive acts in consumer transactions, including misrepresentations, bait-and-switch, and high-pressure selling. AqNova's Platform policies are designed to comply with Part 2 BC BPCPA for all BC consumers.

Unsolicited goods and services (Part 4 BC BPCPA): Prohibits charging consumers for unsolicited goods or services. AqNova's billing and subscription practices comply with Part 4 for all BC consumers.

PIPA BC: British Columbia's Personal Information Protection Act (S.B.C. 2003, c. 63) applies to intra-provincial commercial activities involving BC residents' personal information, in place of PIPEDA. AqNova's Privacy Policy (Section 3) addresses PIPA BC compliance.

9.3.11 Alberta — Consumer Protection Act

The Consumer Protection Act (S.A. 2000, c. C-26.3) ("Alberta CPA," recently replaced by the Consumer Protection Act, RSA 2000, c. C-26.3 as amended) and the Electronic Transactions Act (S.A. 2001, c. E-5.5) govern consumer transactions in Alberta. Key protections for Alberta consumers purchasing through AqNova include:

Internet sales: Alberta consumers who purchase goods through an internet sales contract have a 10-day right to cancel if the seller fails to provide all required disclosures before the contract is formed, or if the goods are not delivered within 30 days of the agreed delivery date (or the consumer may cancel after 10 days from the agreed delivery date).

Unfair practices (Part 2 Alberta CPA): Prohibits false, misleading, or deceptive representations and unconscionable practices in consumer transactions. Administrative penalties of up to CAD $300,000 per contravention apply.

Prepaid purchase cards: Where AqNova offers gift cards or store credit to Alberta consumers, these must comply with Alberta's prepaid purchase card regulations, including prohibitions on expiry dates and inactivity fees for most gift card types.

PIPA Alberta: Alberta's Personal Information Protection Act (S.A. 2003, c. P-6.5) governs personal information in commercial activities involving Alberta residents, in place of PIPEDA for intra-provincial activities. AqNova's Privacy Policy (Section 3) addresses PIPA Alberta compliance.

9.3.12 Quebec — Consumer Protection Act & Law 25 Overview

Quebec operates a distinct and highly protective consumer protection regime, grounded in civil law and the Quebec Civil Code (C.c.Q.), the Consumer Protection Act (CQLR c P-40.1) ("Quebec CPA"), and — for privacy — the Act Respecting the Protection of Personal Information in the Private Sector (CQLR c P-39.1) as significantly amended by Law 25 ("Law 25"). Full detail on the Quebec regime is set out in Part C (Sections 9.3.14–9.3.17) below. This section provides a brief orientation.

9.3.13 Other Provinces & Territories — Summary Consumer Protection Framework

The following table summarizes the key consumer protection statutes and relevant consumer rights for remaining Canadian provinces and territories. AqNova's Platform terms and practices are designed to comply with each of these frameworks for consumers in the applicable jurisdiction.

9.3.14 Quebec Language Requirements — Charter of the French Language

A. Bill 96 Amendments — Enhanced Language Requirements

Bill 96 (An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Quebec, SQ 2022, c. 14) significantly expanded the Charter's requirements for businesses operating in Quebec, with phased implementation from 2022 to 2025. Key amendments affecting AqNova include:

Consumer contracts: Consumer contracts in Quebec must be drafted in French. A Quebec consumer may request a contract in another language only after the French version is made available. Contracts in another language without this process are voidable by the Quebec consumer.

Websites and web apps: As of June 1, 2025, websites serving Quebec consumers must be available in French. AqNova's Platform, including all product listings, search interfaces, checkout, and account management, is available in French for Quebec users.

Software and applications: Software offered to Quebec consumers must be available in French. AqNova's mobile application supports French-language interface options for Quebec users.

Employee language rights: AqNova's communications with employees based in Quebec are conducted in French as required by the Charter. This section applies to AqNova's internal HR practices and is noted for completeness.

Nota: La version francaise complete des presents avis juridiques est disponible a la demande en envoyant un courriel a legal@aqnova.com avec pour objet 'Demande francaise — Avis juridiques Canada'.

9.3.15 Quebec Law 25 — Act Respecting Personal Information (Detailed)

Law 25 (An Act to modernize legislative provisions as regards the protection of personal information, SQ 2021, c. 25) substantially amended the Act Respecting the Protection of Personal Information in the Private Sector (CQLR c P-39.1) ("ARPI"). Law 25 came into force in three phases: September 22, 2022 (Phase 1); September 22, 2023 (Phase 2); and September 22, 2023 for remaining provisions. Law 25 is often described as Canada's most GDPR-like provincial privacy law.

A. Rights of Quebec Individuals Under Law 25

Pursuant to Law 25, individuals whose personal information is held by AqNova have the following rights, which must be exercised by contacting privacy@aqnova.co:

B. Privacy Impact Assessments & Cross-Border Transfers

Law 25 requires AqNova to conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) before communicating personal information of Quebec residents outside of Quebec (including transfers to AqNova's US-based infrastructure and to international third-party service providers). The PIA must assess the legal framework of the destination jurisdiction and the measures taken to mitigate identified risks. AqNova maintains completed PIAs on file and is prepared to make them available to the CAI upon request.

La Loi 25 oblige AqNova a mener une evaluation des facteurs relatifs a la vie privee (EFVP) avant de communiquer des informations personnelles de residents du Quebec a l'exterieur du Quebec. AqNova maintient les EFVP completees dans ses dossiers.

A. Quebec Consumer Protection Act (CQLR c P-40.1) — Distance Contracts

The Quebec Consumer Protection Act (CPA) provides a comprehensive framework for consumer protection in Quebec, enforced by the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC). For distance contracts (including all online purchases through AqNova), the following provisions are particularly significant:

Mandatory pre-contract disclosures (Quebec CPA ss. 54.1–54.16): AqNova must provide specific pre-contract disclosures before a Quebec consumer is bound by a distance contract, including: identification of AqNova and the Vendor; detailed description of goods; total price including all charges; payment terms; delivery terms; cancellation and return rights; and the consumer's right to a chargeback for unauthorized credit card charges.

Consumer's right to cancel (Quebec CPA s. 54.8): A Quebec consumer may cancel a distance contract within 7 days of receiving a copy of the contract if the mandatory pre-contract disclosures were not provided, if the goods were not delivered within 30 days of the agreed delivery date, or if the goods do not conform to their description.

Extended cancellation for non-disclosure: Where AqNova fails to provide any of the mandatory disclosures required under the Quebec CPA for distance contracts, the consumer may cancel at any time within one year of entering the contract.

Prohibited practices (Quebec CPA ss. 219–252): The Quebec CPA prohibits a wide range of false or misleading representations, high-pressure selling, and practices that take advantage of a consumer's vulnerability. Penalties for violations include fines of CAD $600 to $100,000 and criminal liability for knowing contraventions.

B. Quebec's Implied Warranty Regime (LPC ss. 37–38)

Under the Quebec Consumer Protection Act, consumer goods are subject to an implied warranty of quality (garantie de qualite) that requires goods to: (a) be able to serve their normal use for a reasonable period of time; (b) not present a defect that was unknown to the consumer at the time of purchase. The Quebec CPA provides a specific rule for major home appliances (refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, freezers): goods must be able to serve their normal use for at least 3 years from the date of sale to the consumer. This implied warranty cannot be waived by contract.

9.3.17 Quebec Dispute Resolution — Tribunal administratif de la consommation

Quebec consumers who are unable to resolve a dispute with AqNova or a Vendor through the Platform's internal complaint-handling mechanisms (Buyer Protection Program, Section 2.1.3) may access the following Quebec-specific dispute resolution channels:

Quebec consumers retain the right to access Quebec courts for consumer protection claims notwithstanding any arbitration or jurisdiction clause in AqNova's Platform Terms & Conditions (Section 2.14). Any clause in AqNova's terms that would deprive a Quebec consumer of their rights under the Consumer Protection Act is void under Quebec CPA Section 8 and cannot be enforced against a Quebec consumer.

Les consommateurs du Quebec conservent le droit d'acceder aux tribunaux quebecois pour les reclamations en matiere de protection des consommateurs, nonobstant toute clause d'arbitrage ou de competence dans les Conditions generales d'utilisation d'AqNova. Toute clause des conditions d'AqNova qui priverait un consommateur quebecois de ses droits en vertu de la Loi sur la protection du consommateur est nulle en vertu de l'article 8 de la LPC.

9.3.18 Federal & Provincial Regulatory Contact Directory

AqNova Marketplace | Global Legal Footer Framework | Section 9.3: Canada Legal Notices

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