Special Constable Status Granted to Competition Law Officers

OTTAWA, September 15, 2004 –– The New Brunswick Minister of Public Safety has granted special constable status to four competition law officers from the Competition Bureau's Atlantic Region located in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The special constable designation now permits competition law officers to serve summonses and subpoenas in New Brunswick while fulfilling their duties under the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act, the Precious Metals Marking Act, and the Criminal Code. The appointments are aimed at improving the criminal investigative process and relieving police agencies from the burden of serving court documents for anti-competitive offences.

Competition law officers are responsible for investigating and enforcing criminal offences falling under the above federal statutes. These include such offences as deceptive telemarketing, conspiracy to fix prices and bid-rigging, product misrepresentation and fraudulent quality or quantity claims. Their work routinely involves cooperating with other law enforcement agencies on matters of mutual interest.

The Competition Bureau is committed to enhancing its partnerships with law enforcement agencies on local, regional, provincial, national and international levels to ensure that all Canadians enjoy the benefits of a competitive economy, low prices, product choice and quality service.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Maureen McGrath
Senior Communications Advisor
Communications Branch
(819) 953-8982, or (613) 296-2187 (cell)

For general enquiries, please contact:
Information Centre
Competition Bureau
(819) 997-4282
1-800-348-5358