Competition Bureau
competitionbureau.gc.ca
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Careers
Who we are
We are an independent agency that contributes to the prosperity of Canadians by protecting and promoting competitive markets and enabling informed consumer choice.
“Make a difference. Be a leader. Take the challenge. Choose the Competition Bureau.”
What we do
Headed by the Commissioner of Competition, the organization investigates anti-competitive practices and promotes compliance with the Competition Act, Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, Textile Labelling Act and Precious Metals Marking Act.
Enforcement
- We investigate and pursue cases of civil and criminal anti-competitive business conduct, such as price-fixing, bid-rigging and abuse of dominant position.
- We investigate and pursue fraudulent and deceptive marketing practices, such as mass marketing fraud and instances of misleading advertising and labelling.
- We review merger proposals to estimate their impact on competition.
Advocacy
- We act as a domestic and international advocate for the benefits of competition and effective competition policy.
Competition Policy and Legislation
- We lead on competition policy matters for the department.
- We ensure that the Competition Act remains a globally recognized legislation.
Who we are looking for
The Bureau is always looking for bright, energetic and motivated individuals interested in being part of a team that plays a central role in maintaining and promoting competition in the Canadian marketplace.
If you:
- have or are completing this year a Master’s degree in economics, an MBA, a Law degree (towards provincial Bar), a Business Administration/Commerce degree (with a major in marketing or accounting) or a degree in Criminology
- have good analytical thinking skills
- work effectively in a team
- have strong oral and written communication skills
- have a concern for quality and accuracy
- are resourceful, decisive and motivated
then, we need you.
The Bureau is an organization that values diversity in the workforce. We encourage members of designated groups (persons with disabilities, Aboriginal peoples, members of a visible minority, women) to apply and to self-identify.
Working at the Bureau
The Competition Bureau offers challenging careers at the forefront of economics, law and business.
Working at the Bureau is your opportunity to make a difference
Play a role in maintaining and promoting competitiveness in the marketplace. Our new recruits apply their education and skills immediately and are provided with opportunities to take on challenging and meaningful work.
Working at the Bureau is never boring!
When working at the Bureau, there is no typical day. You could:
- Participate in a trial
- Participate in a search
- Talk to Canadians about their concerns
- Interview the head of a corporation
- Speak at an international conference
- Conduct an inspection under one of the labelling statutes
- Review sensitive business records
- Assess the competitive impact of a proposed merger
- Perform economic or legal research
- Write speaking notes for the Commissioner
- Draft an affidavit for Superior Court
- Draft policy or legislation
Working at the Bureau means that you are always learning!
We are committed to the ongoing professional development of our employees. The Bureau offers a development program for Competition Law Officers (at entry level for university recruits) that allows those who successfully complete the program within two years to be promoted automatically. We also offer a full learning program to our employees, from knowledge-based courses, such as industrial organization and law, to practical courses, such as interviewing techniques and effective negotiation. We strive to develop leaders and offer quality leadership training, in lecture format, hands-on training and mentorship.
Come and see us
Campus Visits Fall 2008
| University | Faculty | Date of Visit |
|---|---|---|
| U.B.C. | Economics
|
Sept. 30, 2008
|
Law/MBA/Bus. Admin/ Commerce
|
Oct. 01, 2008 |
|
| Simon Fraser | Law/MBA/ Bus. Admin/ Commerce/Criminology |
Oct. 02, 2008 |
| Calgary | Economics
|
Oct. 07, 2008
|
Law/MBA./Bus. Admin/ Commerce
|
Oct. 06, 2008 |
|
| Alberta | Economics
|
Oct. 08, 2008
|
MBA/Bus. Admin/ Commerce/ Criminology
|
Oct. 07, 2008 |
|
| U. Toronto | Economics
|
Sept. 24, 2008
|
Law/ MBA/ Bus. Admin/Commerce/ Criminology
|
Sept. 24, 2008 |
|
| Queen’s | Economics
|
Sept. 22, 2008
|
Law/ MBA/Bus. Admin/ Commerce
|
Oct. 01, 2008 |
|
| Ottawa | Economics
|
Sept. 25, 2008
|
| Law/Criminology | Sept. 23, 2008 |
|
MBA/Bus. Admin/. Commerce
|
Sept. 24, 2008 |
|
| Carleton | Economics
|
Sept. 23, 2008
|
MBA/Bus. Admin/Commerce/Criminology
|
Sept. 25, 2008 |
|
| U. Montréal | Economics
|
Sept. 15, 2008
|
| Criminology | Sept. 17, 2008 |
|
Law
|
Sept. 16, 2008 |
|
| H.E.C. | Economics
|
Oct. 01, 2008
|
MBA/ Bus. Admin/ Commerce
|
Sept. 17, 2008 |
|
| McGill | Economics
|
Sept. 18, 2008
|
MBA/Bus. Admin/Commerce/ Law
|
Sept. 29, 2008 |
|
| Sherbrooke | MBA/Bus. Admin/ Commerce/Law
|
Sept. 23, 2008
|
Economics
|
Sept. 23, 2008 |
|
| Laval | MBA/Bus. Admin/Commerce/ Law
|
Oct. 02, 2008
|
Economics
|
Oct. 02, 2008 |
|
| Dalhousie | Economics.
|
Sept. 16, 2008
|
Law/Bus. Admin/Commerce
|
Sept. 16, 2008 |
|
| St. Mary’s | MBA/Criminology | Sept. 15, 2008 |
Meet some recent recruits
Mathieu Lefebvre
Competition Law Officer
Civil Matters Branch
Ever since I learned about antitrust, cartels and monopolies in my undergraduate economics courses, I knew that I would be very interested in the Competition Bureau’s activities. I did my graduate studies in economics at HEC in Montreal and obtained the position I dreamt so much about - of a Competition Law Officer - through the Competition Bureau's University Recruitment Campaign.
My employment at the Bureau has allowed me to directly apply the knowledge I acquired in my industrial organization studies. Simply drawing upon my knowledge in the course of investigations that affect the entire Canadian economy provides me with an immense sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
Employees at the Competition Bureau can really have an impact. We are called upon to investigate a wide range of industries under the Competition Act. We can also create a whole network of contacts with public agencies' leaders, citizens, industry players, lawyers, experts, economists and many others. It is stimulating, rewarding and very beneficial in pursuing a career as a competition law expert.
Mélanie Larouche
Competition Law Officer
Fair Business Practices Branch
Although I have been working at the Competition Bureau for less than a year, I can already say that the journey so far has been filled with rewarding experiences, stimulating challenges and very interesting professional encounters.
I have a Master’s degree in International Management and apply my knowledge in Economics and Marketing in the Fair Business Practices Branch. My work is focused on enforcing the Competition Act in relation to false or misleading representations and deceptive marketing practices. Working here has given me an opportunity to familiarize myself with the legal field.
The work of a competition law officer is widely varied, and includes such things as: writing various evaluations for complaints, making recommendations, participating in searches and interviewing business managers. It is satisfying because the cases that we work on and our actions have a direct and positive impact on competition in Canadian markets.
Aside from individual projects, the organization encourages employees to form teams, which promote creativity and sharing.
Working at the Competition Bureau is not only a livelihood, but it is also a place to build a career.
Salman Tajammul
Competition Law Officer
Criminal Matters Branch
I joined the Competition Bureau with an Economics background. My work mainly deals with enforcing the criminal provisions of the Competition Act. I am gaining experience doing market analysis, defining product and geographic markets, conducting interviews, executing search warrants and more.
The most interesting part of my job is dealing with complaints as they allow you to research different industries, businesses and markets. I have also been doing policy work on Industrial Organization issues that the Competition Bureau is taking a lead on.
What makes working here so engaging is that no two days and no two cases are the same!
How to Apply
Fall 2008 Competition
Submit your application on-line between September 22 and October 14,
(https://psjobs-emploisfp.psc-cfp.gc.ca). Be sure to read the job posting and follow all instructions to ensure your application meets all requirements.
Send your university transcripts for the required program of study by mail (postmarked no later than October 14, 2008) to:
Jackie Whiffen
Project Manager - Recruitment and Retention
Competition Bureau
50 Victoria Street
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0C9
Still have questions? Contact Jackie Whiffen by e-mail at whiffen.jackie@cb-bc.gc.ca.
Other Opportunities
Visit the Public Service Commission Web site for posted vacancies.
FAQs
Q. How many vacancies are available through the Fall 2008 Competition Law Officer Competition ?
A. The Bureau is aiming to hire about 17 new employees.
Q. What educational background is the Bureau seeking?
A. During this year’s campaign the Bureau is seeking candidates with:
- a Master’s degree in economics,
- an MBA,
- a Law degree (leading to provincial Bar),
- a Business Administration or Commerce degree with a major in marketing or accounting, or
- a degree in criminology.
Q. Where are the positions located?
A. The majority of the positions are located in the National Capital Region at Headquarters in Gatineau, Quebec, just across the river from Ottawa. There will be one, or possibly two, positions in Toronto (see job posting for specifics).
Q. Where is Gatineau and how big is the National Capital Region?
A. Gatineau is located in the province of Quebec, just across the river from Ottawa. It is part of the National Capital Region. This region has a population of about 1 million and offers all urban amenities with plenty of green space. It stretches out on both sides of the Ottawa River to include parts of Ontario and Quebec and the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau. The Rideau Canal, Parliament, the Byward Market, the Gatineau Hills, shopping malls, parks, national museums, theatres, cafés, galleries and great restaurants, are all within a 5 to 20-minute walk from work. It is the home of three universities, embassies, national research centers and associations, and professional sports teams. It plays host to a number of annual festivals such as the International Film Festival and the Ottawa International Jazz Festival.
Q. Will the Bureau pay for my moving expenses if I am from outside of the region?
A. Yes, the Bureau can assist by reimbursing relocation related expenses to a maximum of $5,000 to newly appointed employees if they sign a two-year service agreement.
Q. Do I need to be bilingual to work at the Bureau?
A. The Bureau promotes a work environment where both official languages, English and French, are used. However, for the University Recruitment Campaign, applicants do not need to be bilingual when they are hired as all positions are designated unilingual English or unilingual French. However, bilingualism becomes increasingly important for supervision and management positions.
Q. Will I receive second-language training once I am hired?
A. The Bureau is committed to making second language training available to its employees. If you express an interest in becoming bilingual or improving your knowledge of the second language for career development purposes, you may be eligible for language training.
Q. What is the selection process for this competition?
A. All candidates will be screened against the essential education qualifications. Grades and other courses or experience may also be used to screen candidates. A written test and/or interview may be administered in addition to reference checks. Offers of employment will be made no later than late December 2008/early January 2009.
Q. Where will the testing and/or interviews take place? Will the Bureau pay for my transportation and accommodations expenses if I have to travel to the test or interview?
A. Testing and interviews may take place at Headquarters or other cities across Canada depending on the distribution of candidates. Where testing or interviews are conducted in several cities across Canada, candidates are typically required to cover any expenses associated with attending one of those locations. If candidates are required to attend a test or interview at Headquarters, the Bureau will typically cover the expenses of travel costs agreed upon previously.
Q. If I am hired as part of this competition, when would I begin working?
A. As soon as you have completed the required program but no later than September 2009.
Q. Is the Bureau offering articling or coop positions?
A. No. Under the University Recruitment Campaign successful candidates will be offered permanent positions. Coop placements are covered by Postsecondary Coop Education and Internship Program within the Public Service of Canada. You can visit:
http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/srp/students/students-jobs_e.htm to find out more about those opportunities. Articling opportunities are offered through a campaign administered by the Department of Justice. You can obtain further information at:
http://canada.justice.gc.ca/eng/.
Q. What benefits does the Bureau offer to its employees?
A. The public service of Canada offers a variety of excellent benefits (see Treasury Board Benefits Info Kit at:
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/hr-rh/bp-rasp/benefits-avantages/benefitsinfo-infoavantages/benefitsinfo-infoavantages-eng.asp.
- A generous dental and health care plan for employees and their family;
- Sick leave benefits and numerous other types of leave
- Life insurance;
- A pension plan which provides employees with income for a lifetime; and
- Competitive salary (for the rates of pay for COs, go to:
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pubs_pol/hrpubs/coll_agre/rates-taux_e.asp.
Q. Can I still apply if I am a non-Canadian citizen?
A. R. Yes you can apply however, on your application, you will be asked to indicate the reason for which you are entitled to work in Canada (Canadian citizenship, permanent resident status or work permit) and preference will be given to Canadian citizens.
Q. If I need more information about this competition, who can I contact at the Bureau?
A. You can contact Jackie Whiffen, Project Manager - Recruitment & Retention, by email at:
whiffen.jackie@cb-bc.gc.ca.