Should Canada Update Its Rules Against Anti-Competitive Business Practices?
Official title: Public consultation on new anti-competitive conduct and agreements guidelines
The Competition Bureau wants feedback on new guidelines for enforcing rules against anti-competitive business practices. These guidelines explain how the Bureau will handle things like price-fixing, exclusive dealing, and companies abusing their market power. The rules were updated significantly between 2022 and 2025, and this is your chance to weigh in on how they should be enforced.
Why This Matters
Ever wonder why some products cost more in Canada than elsewhere? Or why certain industries seem dominated by just a few big players? These guidelines shape how the government cracks down on businesses that squeeze out competitors or jack up prices unfairly. Stronger enforcement could mean more choices and better prices for you.
What Could Change
The Bureau could gain clearer authority to go after companies that abuse their market power. New rules cover practices like self-preferencing (when a platform favours its own products) and excessive pricing. Businesses will need to be more careful about exclusive deals, bundling products, and agreements with competitors.
Key Issues
- How should the Bureau assess whether a company has too much market power?
- When should exclusive dealing arrangements or bundling be considered anti-competitive?
- How should the Bureau handle self-preferencing by dominant platforms?
- What remedies are appropriate for anti-competitive conduct?
How to Participate
- Read the Anti-Competitive Conduct and Agreements Enforcement Guidelines to understand the proposed approach.
- Email your feedback to cb.accaconsultation-bc.consultationcaac@cb-bc.gc.ca by January 29, 2026. Note that submissions will be published unless you request confidentiality.
Submit Your Input
Tips for Your Submission
- Submissions will be published on the Competition Bureau website unless you request confidentiality