May 5, 2014
Earlier today, the Canadian Competition Bureau issued something a little different – its inaugural “Annual Plan”, which evidently is part of its overall transparency and compliance initiatives.
This short, strategic document includes a few interesting points. These include some current performance and enforcement statistics, including in relation to recent: information requests (8,000+); complaints (4,000+) (I had recalled this figure to have been higher in recent years); Immunity and Leniency Program applications (10 and 11 respectively); search warrants (14); and merger position statements (11).
A few other key points that caught my eye in this new publication include: an effort to increase compliance with the Competition Act generally; some forensic enforcement enhancements (“greater use of evidence-handling software”); an intention to commence at least two further market studies in the near future (current Bureau advocacy efforts are available on its Advocacy Portal); and work to support the Federal Government’s recent announcement to introduce new legislation to address “unjustified cross-border price discrimination” to alleviate consumer concerns of Canada/U.S. price gaps.
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