Competition Bureau Releases Information Bulletin on the Immunity Program Under the Competition Act

OTTAWA, September 21, 2000 — The Competition Bureau today released its information bulletin on the immunity program under the Competition Act. The bulletin explains the policy and procedures involved in granting immunity from prosecution for criminal offences under the Competition Act.

In recent years, the Bureau has experienced an increase in the number and complexity of requests for immunity. The bulletin was developed to provide stakeholders and the public with a clearer and more transparent process regarding immunity.

The bulletin reflects current practices jointly employed by both the Bureau and the Attorney General. It provides an explanation of the distinct roles of the Commissioner and the Attorney General, and the conditions under which the Commissioner would consider recommending immunity to the Attorney General. It also outlines the process through which parties must agree to cooperate in order to obtain immunity.

The Bureau released a draft of the information bulletin for comment on February 17, 2000. In finalizing the bulletin, comments from interested stakeholders were taken into consideration. The policy detailed in the bulletin falls in line with similar policies of Canada's trading partners, such as the United States and the European Union.

For more information, please contact:

Cynthia Grant
819-994-0349

or

Andrea Rosen
819-953-4303