OTTAWA, — Melanie Aitken, Commissioner of Competition, is pleased to announce that Kelley McKinnon will be joining the Competition Bureau as Senior Deputy Commissioner of the Mergers Branch for a 2 year period, beginning on . Ms. McKinnon will be taking a leave of absence from Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP, where she is a partner and head of the firm's securities litigation practice.
Ms. McKinnon has extensive experience in both the private and public sectors dealing with complex legal and regulatory matters before civil and criminal courts and regulatory tribunals. Formerly the Deputy Director of Enforcement and Chief Litigation Counsel at the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), Ms. McKinnon was the senior executive providing strategic direction for enforcement, civil litigation affecting the Commission, compliance and risk management matters. She has been involved in numerous matters involving mergers and acquisitions and other business arrangements. Ms. McKinnon was called to the bar in 1990 and prior to joining the OSC, was a partner at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin.
"At the OSC, Kelley gained significant knowledge and insight into public regulation and compliance,"
said Ms. Aitken. "Kelley brings with her the skills necessary to deal effectively with diverse stakeholders and regulators, both in Canada and abroad."
In her new role as Senior Deputy Commissioner of the Mergers Branch, Ms. McKinnon will be responsible for overseeing the work of the Branch and making recommendations to the Commissioner on all merger reviews. She will be a key member of senior management and source of advice to the Commissioner on a range of matters. In this capacity, Kelley will act as a key interface between staff and the Commissioner, as well as between the Bureau and stakeholders.
"Kelley's wealth of experience in management and public engagement will serve her well and will build upon the Bureau's strengths in conducting timely and efficient merger reviews."
Clear conflict of interest guidelines have been established for the duration of her appointment.
The Competition Bureau is an independent enforcement agency that contributes to the prosperity of Canadians by protecting and promoting competitive markets and enabling informed consumer choice.
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