George N. Addy Leaves the Public Service to Return to the Private Sector

OTTAWA, June 5, 1996 — The Honourable John Manley, Minister of Industry, announced today that George N. Addy, Director of Investigation and Research under the Competition Act, has decided to leave the public service and will be returning to the private sector effective June 30, 1996.

Mr. Addy left private legal practice to become Senior Deputy Director of Investigation and Research in 1989 and was appointed Director in 1993.

In his letter of resignation, Mr. Addy thanked the Government for having provided him with the opportunity to serve as Director. He expressed his confidence in the Competition Act and in the Competition Bureau to continue the tradition of balanced compliance and enforcement which has become the hallmark of Canada's approach to this area of the law.

"I am proud of what I was able to achieve as Director and am glad to have had this opportunity to serve my country. It is now time for me to seek out new challenges in the private sector," Mr. Addy said.

Mr. Manley expressed his appreciation for the significant advancements Mr. Addy has made in competition law and policy, particularly in the area of international cooperation in law enforcement with the USA and other OECD member countries.

"In addition to the cases which he brought before the courts and the Competition Tribunal, his determination to increase public awareness of the Act and the transparency of its interpretation and enforcement has been recognized by the business, consumer and legal communities," the Minister said. "As indicated in the Speech from the Throne, the Government is committed to strengthening economic framework legislation. The steps taken by Mr. Addy in preparing the way for amendments to the Competition Act will ensure that Canada stays at the leading edge of competition law and policy. Sound legislation and balanced enforcement are of vital importance to Canadian markets and to the competitiveness of Canadian business. The Government has also benefited from Mr. Addy's advice on the challenges facing all of us in bringing the Information Highway to the door of all Canadians," Mr. Manley added.

Pending the appointment of Mr. Addy's successor, Francine Matte, Q.C. Senior Deputy Director of Investigation and Research, will immediately be exercising all the powers and duties of the Director as provided for under s. 8(2) of the Competition Act.

For more information, please contact:
Bill Milliken, Minister’s Office
613-995-9001