GATINEAU – On June 20, 2024, important changes to the Competition Act became law that strengthen the Competition Bureau’s ability to protect competition and prevent anti-competitive mergers and conduct.
These changes strengthen provisions related to merger control, deceptive marketing practices, anti-competitive agreements, and harm to competition where a business refuses to deal with another business. They also expand private access to the Competition Tribunal.
The changes come into effect immediately, except for those relating to private access, which will come into effect next year on June 20, 2025. More information about the changes can be found in the Bureau’s Guide to the June 2024 amendments to the Competition Act.
The Bureau will work to implement these changes as openly and transparently as possible.
In the coming months, the Bureau will consult Canadians as it reviews its guidance to ensure that it provides clarity and predictability regarding its enforcement of the law. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their initial comments or suggestions through the Bureau’s Guidance Feedback Form.
“The Competition Bureau is focused on implementing these important changes to the Competition Act. We won’t hesitate to use these new tools to take enforcement action and protect competition so that all Canadians can benefit from lower prices, better services, and more choice.” – Matthew Boswell,
Commissioner of Competition