Annual Report 1997/98 - Message from the Director of Investigation and Research

Upon becoming Director of Investigation and Research of the Competition Bureau in February 1997, one of my first priorities was to establish a renewed sense of direction for the enforcement and administration of the Competition Act and Canada's labelling statutes (the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Precious Metals Marking Act and the Textile Labelling Act). I believed then, and still do, that it is important for our stakeholders to understand what we do and how we do it.

During the first several months of my appointment, I met with stakeholders, including members of the Competition Bar, representatives of industry organizations and professional associations, and others interested in competition and labelling. These meetings provided me with a good sense of the concerns of stakeholders in the competition and labelling fields, and gave me the chance to communicate the principles that now govern the Bureau's daily operations: transparency, fairness, timeliness and predictability.

Transparency means that we are as open in our dealings as the law permits; that we will continue to develop appropriate service and performance standards; and that we are prepared to be judged against these standards. Fairness governs our decision-making as we try to strike the right balance between compliance and enforcement. Timeliness guides us in dealing with issues in a prompt manner. Predictability dictates that we provide adequate background and reference material on Bureau decisions and that we make public our position on as many issues as possible. By governing in accordance with these principles, the work of the Bureau becomes more accessible, and businesses are better able to operate in conformity with the law.

The work described in this annual report could not have been accomplished without commitment from the Bureau's staff. I am grateful to have an opportunity to thank them for supporting my leadership and for their unceasing hard work and dedication to maintaining a standard of excellence. I am proud to work alongside this group of professionals committed to quality results.

Canada's economic landscape has continued to shift during the past fiscal year, and the year ahead will hold even more challenges and change. I know, however, that we will succeed in meeting those challenges. We have a strong commitment of cooperation from our stakeholders, the technological and administrative support from Industry Canada, and the shared belief that the Competition Bureau can, and does, make a difference in Canada's marketplace.

Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C.