Competition Bureau Revises Responses to Frequently Asked Questions on Immunity Program

OTTAWA, October 17, 2005 — The Competition Bureau today issued a series of Responses to Frequently Asked Questions about the Immunity Program.

The Bureau’s Immunity Program, first introduced in 2000, encourages parties to admit their participation in offences under the Competition Act as early as possible. The first immunity applicant to come forward will be eligible for a Bureau recommendation of immunity from prosecution in return for co-operating with the Bureau’s investigation and any subsequent prosecution of other participants in the offence. The Immunity Program is one of the Bureau’s most powerful tools for detecting, investigating and prosecuting cartels.

The updated Responses replace the 2003 version of the document and address in greater detail the process involved in an immunity application as well as the timelines and guidelines for providing information to the Bureau.

The Bureau is currently undertaking a broad review of its Immunity Program. It plans to initiate public consultations in the autumn of 2005 on a range of topics relevant to the Immunity Program, including:

• confidentiality
• revocation
• leniency
• the proffer practice
• treatment of instigators
• restitution

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency. We contribute to the prosperity of Canadians by protecting and promoting competitive markets and enabling informed consumer choice.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Maureen McGrath
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