Revision to the Fee and Service Standards Handbook

OTTAWA, December 22, 2003 - The Competition Bureau has made minor revisions to its Fee and Service Standards Handbook (Handbook) and related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

The changes resulted from stakeholder feedback and Bureau experience during the first six months of the revised Fee and Service Standards Policy (Policy) which came into force April 1, 2003 and include:

• Clarifying the definition of a very complex merger;
• Clarifying when and how the Bureau will seek consent from parties to publish a written opinion on its Web site;
• Clarifying when the Commissioner may exercise the discretion to not provide an opinion with respect to certain multi-level marketing plans;
• Clarifying the information requirements for requesting a written opinion under Section 74.01 (1)(b): Representations not based on adequate and proper test; and,
• Removing "The legality of the promotion under other applicable legislation such as the Criminal Code" as an information requirement for requesting a written opinion under Section 74.06: Promotional Contests.

The Policy and Handbook apply to merger notification filings and Advance Ruling Certificate requests related to merger review, written opinion requests, and photocopies.

The revised Handbook and FAQs are available under Business Services on the Bureau's Web site at www.cb-bc.gc.ca.

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.

Fee and Service Standards Handbook
Frequently Asked Questions on Fees and Service Standards

For media enquiries, please contact:
Purvi Radia
Communications Advisor
Communications Branch
(819) 953-8679

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