Last updated: November 11, 2026
This policy explains how Island Magazine, Parksville, British Columbia, labels and reviews advertising and sponsored content on islandmagazine.ca.
How advertising is labelled
Display ads, coupons and other paid placements are labelled “Advertisement” or “Sponsored” (or a similar clear word) so readers can tell them apart from news and opinion. Featured directory listings are marked as featured or sponsored.
We do not disguise ads as news. If we publish a native or sponsored article, it will be clearly labelled as sponsored.
Editorial independence
Buying an ad, a coupon or a featured listing does not buy coverage, and refusing an ad does not invite unfavourable coverage. Editorial decisions are independent of advertising. We do not let advertisers preview or approve news stories.
Truth in advertising
Advertisers are responsible for the claims in their ads, coupons and sponsored content. Ads must be true, not misleading, and must comply with the federal Competition Act and other applicable law, including rules on ordinary selling price, testimonials, performance claims and fine print.
We may ask for substantiation, and we may decline or take down an ad that, in our view, is misleading, unlawful or otherwise unsuitable.
Ads we refuse
We may refuse or remove advertising at our discretion, including material that:
- Is illegal, deceptive, defamatory or discriminatory
- Promotes hate, harassment or violence
- Is adult or otherwise unsuitable for a general community audience
- Infringes copyright or trademark, or uses a third party’s name or image without permission
- Is otherwise a poor fit for the magazine
We do not have to give a reason, but we will usually try to explain a refusal.
Coupons and offers
Coupon and deal terms are set and honoured by the advertiser, not by Island Magazine. Please confirm the offer, fine print, expiry and any restrictions with the business before you rely on it. We are not responsible if a business does not honour a coupon.
Featured listings
A paid or featured directory listing is a form of advertising. It is marked as such and is also subject to our Directory & Listing Terms.
Founding Advertiser offer
Businesses that book before January 31, 2027 may receive 50% off any ad or package for their first 3 months, and one free ad design. A basic directory listing is always free. The offer is for a limited time, may change or end without notice for bookings not yet confirmed, and is subject to the terms on our Advertise With Us page. A discounted placement is not an endorsement and does not require us to keep running the ad.
How to advertise
Email sales@islandmagazine.ca or visit Advertise With Us.
This page is general information, not legal advice.