A subscription form is the front door of your newsletter. In Canada it also does legal work: it is where you obtain the express consent CASL requires, and the record it creates is your evidence if a complaint ever reaches the CRTC. A well-built form grows your list and protects you at the same time.
What a Canadian subscription form must say
For consent to count as express under CASL, the form should make clear:
- What people are signing up for: “weekly deals”, “monthly newsletter”, “event invitations”.
- Who is asking: your business name, and any other organization on whose behalf you will send.
- How to reach you: a mailing address and a phone number, email address or website.
- That consent can be withdrawn: “You can unsubscribe at any time.”
The consent action must be positive. Use an empty checkbox or the act of submitting a form that is clearly just a subscription; never a pre-ticked box.
Building it in Mailpro
- Create a new sign-up form and link it to your newsletter list.
- Keep fields minimal: email, first name, and a language choice (English / Français).
- Add your consent wording above the button, in both languages if the form is bilingual.
- Turn on double opt-in so subscribers confirm by clicking a link in a confirmation email.
- Customize the confirmation and welcome emails, including your CASL identification block.
- Embed the form on your website, checkout page or social profiles.
Why double opt-in suits Canada
Double opt-in confirms the address belongs to the person who typed it and creates a time-stamped record of consent. Since CASL puts the burden of proof on the sender, that record is valuable. It also keeps typos and fake addresses off your list, which helps deliverability. The glossary entry on double opt-in explains the process in more detail.
Where to place the form
- Your website footer and a dedicated newsletter page.
- The checkout, as an unticked option.
- A tablet at your counter, market stall or trade-show booth.
- A QR code on receipts, menus or packaging.
After someone subscribes
Send a welcome email that confirms what they signed up for, in their chosen language. Subscriber data is stored in Switzerland, outside US jurisdiction, and never sold or rented. For wider context on consent, read our page on permission to email under CASL, or return to the online forms overview.