Annual Report 1994/95 - Communicating More Effectively

I have mentioned the decision to close the Regional Offices of the Bureau. This gave me the opportunity to examine the way the Bureau handles complaints and requests for information. In the coming year, we will be establishing a centralized unit to handle all complaints and requests for information. This will increase the efficiency of this aspect of Bureau operations by, for example, linking the unit electronically with the enforcement branches. In addition, the Bureau intends to install a fax back system which will enable Canadians to order by fax recent press releases, speeches and certain Bureau publications.

Another development which will expand our communications activities is the intended launch of a quarterly publication. I have been concerned for some time that the Annual Report was not an appropriate vehicle for getting timely information to the legal and business communities on issues related to the Bureau and competition law and policy in Canada. I believe that the new publication will meet a need for greater and more current information on Bureau activities and case developments. As I mentioned above, it is also my intention, as part of the Public Education Initiative, to continue developing pamphlets on various sections of the Act as well as a companion series dealing with issues of concern primarily to consumers.

I also intend to continue the process begun last September during meetings with our counterparts in Washington, where we undertook to work at upgrading the existing Canada-U.S. MOU which was adopted in 1984.