Aside from the Canadian Red Cross, the red cross symbol in Canada can legally be displayed by:
- The medical services of the Canadian Armed Forces, especially in armed conflict, as permitted by the Geneva Conventions.
- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
- Other national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies recognized by the ICRC and members of the IFRC, when operating in Canada.
- Medical and religious personnel under the direction of competent authorities according to the Geneva Conventions.
Unauthorized use of the red cross symbol is prohibited under Canadian law, including the Trade-marks Act, the Canadian Red Cross Society Act, and the Geneva Conventions Act. Severe penalties apply for misuse. Overall, legal use is limited to official Red Cross organizations and the medical services of the armed forces for protection and neutrality purposes in line with international humanitarian law.
