Non-disclosure statement
A non-disclosure statement is not a distinct legal document. The term is used loosely for a confidentiality agreement or non-disclosure agreement, in which parties agree to keep specified information confidential, limit its use, and return or destroy it when the relationship ends.
How BC law treats it
A confidentiality agreement is an ordinary contract, enforceable by damages and, where appropriate, an injunction. The common law of breach of confidence can also protect information shared in confidence.
What it means for your business
Use a properly drafted non-disclosure agreement rather than a short statement, so that the scope, duration and exceptions are clear.
Risks and common mistakes
A one-line confidentiality statement with no definition of confidential information or its exclusions is easy to dispute.
For the full explanation, see our entry on Non-disclosure agreement.
General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.
