Terms of Use / Terms of Service

Last updated: 2026-09-13

Plain-language summary (for convenience only; the full legal terms below govern your use of the site): Use HarvestGuide.ca for general information only — never as a substitute for the tested recipe in your own Bernardin edition, or guidance from Health Canada or your provincial public health authority. Home preserving carries serious health risks, including botulism. By using this site, you agree that you assume all risks, that we are not liable for any damages or illness, and that you will defend and hold us harmless against any legal claims or expenses arising from your use of the content.

1. Acceptance of these terms

By accessing or using HarvestGuide.ca (the “Site”), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”). If you do not agree, do not use the Site.

2. Age Requirement

You must be at least the age of majority in your jurisdiction of residence to use this Site. By using the Site, you represent and warrant that you meet this age requirement. If you do not meet this requirement, you must not access or use the Site.

3. Purpose of the Site

The Site is an informational resource about home preserving methods used in Canada — water-bath canning, pressure canning, freezing, dehydrating, fermenting, and root cellaring. It is not professional, medical, legal, or culinary advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

4. Food-safety disclaimer (read this section)

Home canning can be dangerous if done incorrectly. Improperly processed low-acid foods can produce Clostridium botulinum toxin (botulism), which is odourless, tasteless, and can be fatal.

HarvestGuide.ca publishes methods drawn from Health Canada and Bernardin. You are responsible for:

• Verifying procedures against a tested recipe from a recognized Canadian authority, such as the current Bernardin guide or Health Canada, before every canning batch.
• Adjusting processing time or pressure for your altitude.
• Using jars, lids, and equipment as the manufacturer intends.
• Inspecting every jar before consuming the contents and discarding any with broken seals, off odours, bulging lids, foam, or visible mould.

If you suspect a foodborne illness, contact your provincial public health authority. See also Health Canada on food poisoning. If you believe you have ingested botulism toxin, this is a medical emergency — call 911 or go to an emergency department.

Content on the Site is provided as a starting point. It does not replace your own judgement, the tested recipe in your own Bernardin edition or on the pectin box, or guidance from Health Canada or your provincial public health authority.

4.1 Assumption of Risk

4.2 Allergens and Ingredients

5. No warranty

The Site and its content are provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranty of any kind, whether express, implied, or statutory. We do not warrant that the content is complete, accurate, current, or fit for any particular purpose. We do not warrant uninterrupted or error-free operation of the Site.

HarvestGuide.ca is an evolving informational resource. We reserve the right to modify content at any time without notice.

6. Limitation of liability

7. Affiliate links and advertising

The Site participates in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates, and displays advertising. See our Affiliate Disclosure for details. Your purchases through affiliate links cost you nothing extra and may earn the Site a commission.

8. Intellectual property

Original text, structure, code, and graphics on the Site are the property of HarvestGuide.ca and are protected by Canadian copyright law. You may quote short excerpts with attribution and a link back; please do not republish substantial portions without permission. Third-party trademarks (Bernardin, Amazon, Health Canada, etc.) belong to their respective owners.

9. External links

The Site links to third-party websites (Bernardin, Health Canada, provincial health authorities, Statistics Canada, Amazon, others) for context, citation, and shopping. We do not control those sites and are not responsible for their content, accuracy, or privacy practices.

10. Acceptable use

You agree not to:

• Use the Site for any unlawful purpose.
• Attempt to interfere with the Site’s operation, security, or other users’ access.
• Scrape the Site at scale or for commercial republication without permission.

11. Changes to these terms

We may revise these Terms from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top reflects the most recent change. Continued use of the Site after a change constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

12. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any legal suit, action, or proceeding arising out of, or related to, these Terms or the Site shall be instituted exclusively in the provincial or federal courts located in the Province of Ontario. You waive any and all objections to the exercise of jurisdiction over you by such courts and to venue in such courts.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless HarvestGuide.ca, its owners, operators, affiliates, and contributors from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses — including reasonable legal fees and court costs — arising out of or in any way connected with your access to or use of the Site, your violation of these Terms, or your execution of any preserving methods, recipes, or instructions provided on the Site.

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, then that provision shall be deemed severable from these Terms and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions.

15. Contact

Questions about these Terms: hi@harvestguide.ca.