Charges Laid Against a Gasoline Supplier and Retailers In the Sherbrooke, Quebec Area

OTTAWA, September 29, 1999 -- The Competition Bureau announced today that on September 28, 1999, Les Pétroles Irving Inc./Irving Oil Inc., a major supplier of petroleum products, and two gasoline retailers, were each charged with pricing offences under the Competition Act.

Les Pétroles Irving Inc./Irving Oil Inc., based in St-John, New Brunswick, with a branch in Sillery, Quebec, is a member of the Irving Group. The two retailers sell Irving brand gasoline in the area of Sherbrooke, Quebec.

The charges are the result of a lengthy criminal investigation conducted by the Bureau. The accused are alleged to have engaged in the anti-competitive practice of price maintenance. In this case, it is alleged that the practice was designed to influence upwards or discourage the reduction of prices charged for gasoline by competing retailers in Sherbrooke and the surrounding area starting in December 1997.

Copies of the documents filed before the Quebec Court, Criminal Division, in Sherbrooke are available by using the following links (PDF only):

• Court File number 450-73-000153-993 *
• Court File number 450-73-000154-991 *
• Court File number 450-73-000155-998 *

* Documents available in French only

Sections 66.1 and 66.2 of the Competition Act ensure confidentiality for any person providing information of an offence and prohibit employers from disciplining employees who cooperate in this way. In addition, the Bureau has a program by which those involved in potentially illegal conduct can seek immunity in return for disclosing an offence. Consequently, the Bureau urges anyone with information to come forward.

For more information, please contact:

Louis Parent
(819) 953-7734