This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

Competition Bureau of Canada

Competition Bureau

Public Consultation on Legislative Changes to the Competition Act and the Competition Tribunal Act

OTTAWA, April 17, 2000 -- The Competition Bureau has prepared a discussion paper entitled Amending the Competition Act: A Discussion Paper on Meeting the Challenges of the Global Economy. This paper will facilitate a national consultation process on proposed amendments to the Competition Act and the Competition Tribunal Act. At the request of the Minister of Industry, the Bureau has hired the Public Policy Forum to run cross-country consultations with stakeholders.

The purpose of the consultation is to solicit advice and to report on possible amendments to the Competition Act and the Competition Tribunal Act. Four Private Members Bills proposing amendments to these Acts have recently been tabled in the House of Commons. These proposed amendments are consistent with changes advocated by the Competition Bureau for the last two years to meet the challenges of the changing economy such as: globalization and rapid technological change. These Bills suggest amendments in the areas of international cooperation, strategic alliances and private access and are a good basis for discussion. They are as follows:

Bill C-402

(Dan McTeague, M.P., Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge) deals with abuse of dominance in the retail sector, responding to consumer concerns about markets dominated by a few big players.

Bill C-438

(Karen Redman, M.P., Kitchener-Centre) prohibits deceptive contests sent through the mail.

Bill C-471

(Marlene Jennings, M.P., Notre-Dame-de-Grâce-Lachine) would provide for international cooperation between competition authorities on civil matters, and would introduce references to the Competition Tribunal on specific issues.

Bill C-472

(Dan McTeague, M.P., Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge) deals with strategic alliances, private rights of access to the Competition Tribunal, cost awards and summary dispositions, and would introduce new cease and desist powers.

To have further details on the consultation process and to submit comments, visit the Public Policy Forum web site.

Submissions are now posted on the Public Policy Forum Web site.

For further information, please contact:

Julie Hébert
(819) 953-4257


Complete our survey