2005/77 (b)

BACKGROUNDER

Actions to Increase Market Transparency and Accountability

Competition Act Amendments

The Government of Canada is prepared to strengthen Bill C-19 by increasing criminal fines for conspiracy and providing the Competition Bureau with additional tools. Increasing the fine level under the conspiracy provisions of the Competition Act (section 45) from a maximum of $10 million to a maximum of $ 25 million will serve as a deterrent to unlawful cartel behaviour in all industries, including the gasoline industry. The expected costs for engaging in cartels should outweigh the benefits.

Providing the Competition Bureau with a power under the Competition Act to assess the state of competition would enable the Bureau to gather all relevant data, including commercially sensitive data that is not in the public domain, to conduct in-depth analysis of various industry sectors. This measure will enhance transparency for businesses and consumers.

For more information, media may contact:

Suzanne Legault
Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Competition
Competition Bureau
(819) 997-1705

For consumer information on gas prices:

http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/internet/index.cfm?itemid=1906&lg=e

Office of Petroleum Price Information

The Office of Petroleum Price Information (OPPI) will provide timely information to Canadians on crude oil and petroleum product prices and allow for single-window access to consumer information and relevant government programs in areas such as energy efficiency. The primary mandate of the OPPI will be to collect and disseminate pricing information on crude oil and other petroleum products such as gasoline and furnace oil.

The Government of Canada has allocated $15 million over 5 years for the OPPI. Information will begin to be made available in the coming weeks by drawing upon existing NRCan resources until the Office is fully operational.

The Office will rely on a combination of existing information, such as federal and provincial data, and will provide information to Canadians on how markets work through ongoing analyses of the factors that affect petroleum product supply and demand.

The OPPI will work in collaboration with the provinces and territories to gather data on existing surveys to ensure consistent data reporting and provide a national perspective. The Office will also seek the advice of industry, consumers and other stakeholders to identify data needs and determine the time lines for reporting.

The OPPI will have a strong Web presence and provide links to other information sources where consumers can find energy-saving tips to make informed choices on energy usage.

Office of Petroleum Price Information

For more information, media may contact:

Ghyslain Charron
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
(613) 992-4447