Competition Bureau Concludes Winnipeg Commercial Waste Markets Investigation

OTTAWA, October 1, 2003 – The Competition Bureau announced today that its concerns regarding recent commercial waste disposal contracting practices in the Winnipeg area have been resolved. The Bureau began its investigation in April, 2002, after receiving complaints about certain contracting practices by major competitors in the Winnipeg commercial front-end, scheduled roll-off and containerized cardboard recycling waste markets. According to the complaints, competition in these markets was being restricted by long-term contracts and right of first refusal clauses.

To address Bureau concerns early and ensure consumers the continued benefits of a competitive market, the major competitors in this market, Canadian Waste Services Inc., BFI Canada Inc. and Johnson Waste Management provided assurances to the Bureau that, for their standard form contracts, they will limit the initial and each renewal term to three years and will not include right of first refusal clauses.

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that ensures all Canadians enjoy the benefits of a fair and competitive economy, low prices, product choice and quality service. It oversees the application of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act .

For media enquiries, please contact:
André Leclair
Senior Communications Advisor
Communications Branch
(819) 953-4257 or (613) 290-1583 cell.

For general enquiries, please contact:
Information Centre
Competition Bureau
(819) 997-4282
1-800-348-5358