Industry Minister Manley Announces Consultations on Competition Act Amendments

OTTAWA, June 28, 1995 — Industry Minister John Manley announced today the start of public consultations aimed at updating the Competition Act within the next year. The Minister has asked the Director of Investigation and Research, George N. Addy, to conduct a consultation process on legislative amendments.

"The Competition Act is an important instrument in promoting a healthier marketplace, one of the key features of the government's jobs and growth agenda", said Mr. Manley. "The law has served us well, but we need to make some adjustments to address the rapid pace of change in world markets. Our objective is a more effective competition law that will help shape a more innovative economy in Canada."

A discussion paper released as part of a broad consultation process outlines the rationale for amendments and specific areas that the government is studying. The paper describes a number of measures designed to:

• promote quicker and more effective resolution of competition issues;
• remove out-dated restrictions concerning price discounts and promotional allowances that inhibit pricing flexibility;
• better equip Canada to deal with anticompetitive and deceptive practices that originate outside the country;
• address the problem of deceptive telemarketing promotions;
• allow members of the private sector to take action before the Competition Tribunal against practices which inhibit innovative and competitive behaviour.

The CompetitionAct is a key component of the marketplace framework governing business activity in Canada. The Director of Investigation and Research heads the Bureau of Competition Policy and is responsible for the enforcement and administration of the Competition Act. At the conclusion of the consultation process, he will make recommendations to the Minister on specific amendments.

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