Should Canada's Merger Rules Be Tougher on Big Business?
Official title: Public consultation on updated Merger Enforcement Guidelines
The Competition Bureau wants feedback on new guidelines for reviewing corporate mergers. Why does this matter? When big companies merge, it can mean fewer choices and higher prices for consumers. The government recently strengthened competition laws, and now the Bureau is updating how it decides which mergers to block.
Why This Matters
Ever notice fewer options at the grocery store? Or wonder why your phone bill is so high? Corporate mergers can reduce competition, leading to higher prices and worse service. These guidelines shape which deals get blocked—and which ones sail through.
What Could Change
The Bureau could take a harder line on mergers that reduce competition. Companies planning acquisitions would face clearer rules about what's likely to be blocked. The guidelines reflect 2022-2024 changes to the Competition Act that gave the Bureau more power to stop anti-competitive deals.
Key Issues
- How should the Bureau evaluate whether a merger will harm competition?
- Do the proposed guidelines provide enough clarity for businesses?
- Are the guidelines properly adapted to current economic conditions?
How to Participate
- Read the proposed Merger Enforcement Guidelines to understand what's being proposed.
- Review the 2011 guidelines to see what's changing.
- Email your comments to cbmegconsultation-bcconsultationldf@cb-bc.gc.ca by the deadline.
Submit Your Input
Questions Being Asked (3)
- What are your views on the proposed Merger Enforcement Guidelines?
- Do the guidelines provide sufficient clarity for businesses to comply with the Competition Act?
- Are there aspects of the guidelines that should be adjusted?