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

Federal Court Denies Appeal: Canadian Waste Must Divest Ridge Landfill

Ottawa, March 13, 2003 - The Competition Bureau welcomes the Federal Court of Appeal's decision, released yesterday, upholding earlier Competition Tribunal decisions requiring the divestiture of the Ridge Landfill in southern Ontario. The divestiture will address competition concerns resulting from the merger of Canadian Waste Services Inc. and Browning Ferris Industries Ltd. in 2000.

"Selling the Ridge Landfill will preserve competition for waste disposal services," said Lourdes DaCosta, Senior Competition Law Officer. "This decision is good news for businesses in the Greater Toronto Area and elsewhere in southern Ontario."

In March 2001, the Competition Tribunal agreed with the Competition Bureau that Canadian Waste's acquisition of the Ridge Landfill would harm competition for the disposal of industrial, commercial and institutional waste generated in the Greater Toronto Area and Chatham-Kent area. In October 2001, the Tribunal ordered Canadian Waste to sell the Ridge Landfill to remedy the competition concerns. Canadian Waste appealed both decisions in November 2001.

Under an existing Tribunal order, the Ridge Landfill will continue to be held separate from Canadian Waste operations pending its sale to a third party. It will also continue to be under the direction of an independent manager and monitor until the divestiture is complete.

"We are pleased that the Federal Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeals and we look forward to the successful completion of the divestiture process," said Ms. DaCosta.

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that promotes and maintains fair competition so that all Canadians can benefit from competitive prices, product choice and quality service. It oversees the application of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Tim Weil, Senior Communications Advisor
Competition Bureau
(819) 953-9271 or (613) 296-2189 (cell.)


Complete our survey