Our Approach

The Competition Bureau's approach to the administration and enforcement of our laws is based on five principles: confidentiality, fairness, predictability, timeliness, and transparency. Transparency means that we are as open as the law permits and this section outlines the variety of ways the Bureau maintains and promotes competition in the marketplace.

How the Bureau proceeds

If it is determined that a complaint needs further investigation, the Bureau uses a wide range of education, compliance and enforcement tools  to deal with criminal and civil cases.

These tools are described in our Conformity Continuum. They include:

• public education, written opinions, information contacts, voluntary codes of conduct, written undertakings and prohibition orders;
• the legal authority with court authorization to search for and seize documents and other forms of evidence, to take sworn oral evidence and to demand the production of documents and records;
• the ability to refer criminal matters to the Attorney General of Canada, who then decides whether to prosecute before the courts;       
• the power to bring civil matters before the Competition Tribunal or other courts depending on the issue;
• the authority to make presentations and intervene on matters of competition policy before federal and provincial boards, tribunals and commissions such as the Canadian Radio?television and Telecommunications Commission and the National Transportation Agency.

The Bureau also resolves issues brought to its attention by different instruments such as using ACR (Alternative case resolution) or issuing public alerts to educate consumers about certain competitive practices. It contacts parties directly to encourage voluntary compliance with its laws. The Bureau may seek legal action. It refers criminal matters under any of the four statutes to the Attorney General of Canada for possible prosecution. Non-criminal matters under the Competition Act may be referred to the Competition Tribunal or other courts for decision.

Policy on Retaining Outside Counsel for the Competition Bureau

These policy statements provide clarity to the Bureau's approach on legal issues.