SERVICES
I advise individuals, companies and other organizations on the application of the advisory opinion provision of the Competition Act, the Competition Bureau’s policy for written opinions and applying for opinions. My services include:
- Advice relating to the scope and application of the advisory opinions provision
- Advice regarding the Bureau’s policies for issuing written opinions
- Assistance preparing and filing applications for advisory opinions
- Dealing with the Competition Bureau in advance of and following an application
- Process issues generally relating to advisory opinions
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OVERVIEW OF COMPETITION ACT
ADVISORY OPINIONS
Under section 124.1 of the Competition Act (the “Act”), any person may apply to the Commissioner of Competition (the “Commissioner”), with supporting information, for a binding written opinion regarding the application of any provision of the Act.
Written opinions can be a practical way to obtain comfort for some types of proposed business practices that could potentially raise issues under Canadian competition law. Advisory opinions, however, are only available for proposed conduct.
The Commissioner has discretion whether to issue an advisory opinion, and may consider factors such as whether the Bureau’s recommended information requirements to apply for an opinion have been met, whether facts are uncertain or hypothetical or whether the issuance of an opinion would interfere with an ongoing examination or inquiry.
A written opinion will, if issued, provide an opinion from the Bureau as to whether the particular provisions (i.e., sections of the Act) included in the request apply to the proposed conduct or practice. It is worth noting, however, that the Bureau has narrowed the scope of advice provided under such opinions, such that the Bureau’s current policy is not to provide an assessment of the effects on competition of the proposed conduct or practice. The Bureau will also not provide an assessment of potential defences.
With respect to confidentiality, advisory opinions are typically sought with confidentiality requests, including invoking section 29 of the Act. Section 29 of sets out confidentiality protections for information provided to the Bureau including voluntarily provided information, subject to exceptions that include the “administration and enforcement of the Act”. The Bureau’s practice is also to publish advisory opinions, but will redact (i.e., anonymize) an opinion prior to publication on request.
Advisory opinions, if issued, are binding on the Commissioner if all the material facts have been submitted, they are accurate and for as long as they remain substantially unchanged.
The Bureau’s Fee and Service Standards Handbook for Written Opinions contains more information on the Bureau’s policy for issuing advisory opinions, information required for the various provisions of the Act and fees and service standards.
Written opinions are available under the following provisions of the Act, among others: conspiracy (section 45), criminal and civil misleading advertising (52 and 74.01), deceptive telemarketing (52.1), other deceptive marketing practices, multi-level marketing and pyramid selling (55 and 55.1), performance claims (74.01(1)(b)), promotional contests (74.06), resale price maintenance (76), exclusive dealing / tied selling / market restriction (77), abuse of dominance (79) and civil agreements provision (90.1).
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Competition Act
Competition Bureau
Bulletins
Communication of Confidential Information under the Competition Act
Fee and Service Standards Handbook for Written Opinions
Fees and Service Standards Handbook for Mergers and Merger-Related Matters
Fees and Service Standards Policy for Mergers and Merger-Related Matters
Fee and Service Standards Policy
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BOOKS
The Competition Law Guide for Trade Associations in Canada is a practical and concise summary of Canadian competition law for trade, professional and other associations and their advisors
COURSES
Competition Law and REALTORS®: What You Say and Do Matters was designed by ACRE with the assistance of CREA to help Canadian REALTORS® understand and comply with Canadian competition law
For more see: ACRE