How Should the Competition Bureau Handle Private Lawsuits Against Anti-Competitive Behaviour?

Official title: Bulletin on Private Access to the Competition Tribunal

Closed Regulations & Permits Economy & Jobs Justice & Rights
Recent changes to competition law let businesses and individuals sue competitors directly for anti-competitive behaviour. The Competition Bureau wants feedback on its new guidelines explaining when it will get involved in these private cases. This affects how Canadians can fight back against unfair business practices like price-fixing, deceptive marketing, and abuse of market power.

Why This Matters

Ever been ripped off by misleading advertising? Watched a big company crush smaller competitors? These new rules make it easier for businesses and individuals to take action themselves. If you run a small business being squeezed by a dominant competitor, this directly affects your options. Even as a consumer, stronger private enforcement could mean more accountability for companies that break the rules.

What Could Change

The Bureau's guidelines will determine when it steps in or stays out of private competition cases. If you're a business harmed by anti-competitive conduct, you could seek orders to stop the behaviour and potentially get compensation. The Bureau might oppose your case if it prefers to handle the matter through public enforcement instead.

Key Issues

  • When should the Bureau intervene in private competition cases versus letting them proceed independently?
  • How should the Bureau balance public enforcement priorities with expanded private access rights?
  • What criteria should determine if the Bureau opposes a private party's application for leave?

How to Participate

  1. Review the Bureau's information bulletin on private access to understand the proposed guidelines and the Bureau's role in private competition cases.
  2. Submit your feedback by email to cb.PAconsultation-bc.consultationPA@cb-bc.gc.ca.