Competition Bureau Consults on its Immunity Program

Ottawa, February 7, 2006 - The Competition Bureau today issued a public consultation paper on its Immunity Program. The consultation paper addresses issues about substantive aspects of the Program that have arisen over the past five years including confidentiality, the oral application process, restitution, revocation of immunity and the possible creation of a formal leniency program.

The Bureau hopes to elicit responses from a broad range of stakeholders to assist it in determining how the Program can be improved to ensure optimal effectiveness.

The Bureau's Immunity Program, introduced in 2000, encourages businesses and individuals to admit their participation in criminal offences under the Competition Act as early as possible. The first immunity applicant to come forward and meet Program criteria will be eligible for a Bureau recommendation of immunity from prosecution in return for co-operating with the Bureau's investigation and any subsequent prosecution of other participants in the offence. The Immunity Program is one of the Bureau's most powerful tools for detecting, investigating and prosecuting cartels.

The Program has been under review since the fall of 2004. In October 2005, the Bureau issued Responses to Frequently Asked Questions that provide a step-by-step guide for potential immunity applicants on the immunity process, time lines, and the types of information required from applicants.

Responses to the consultation paper can be submitted by e-mail, fax, or regular mail by May 10, 2006. All submissions will be made available to the public and will be posted on the Bureau's Web site, except where confidentiality is specifically requested.

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency. We contribute to the prosperity of Canadians by protecting and promoting competitive markets and enabling informed consumer choice.

Consultation Paper
Information Bulletin

Please send comments to:
Ms. Erica Schumacher
Fax: (819) 934-3602
E-mail: schumacher.erica@cb-bc.gc.ca

Mailing address:
Competition Bureau
Place du Portage 1
50 Victoria Street
Gatineau, Québec K1A 0C9

For media enquiries, please contact:
Maureen McGrath
Communications Advisor
Competition Bureau
(819) 953-8982, or (613) 296-2187 (cell)

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