Cracking Down on Cross-Border Scams: Competition Bureau Signs Cooperation Arrangement with UK Counterparts

OTTAWA, October 14, 2003 — The Competition Bureau announced today that it has signed a Cooperation Arrangement with the UK Office of Fair Trading and the UK Department of Trade and Industry, to improve competition law enforcement in areas such as deceptive marketing and criminal cartel activity.

"Cross-border scams are a growing problem for all competition agencies," said Raymond Pierce, Deputy Commissioner of Competition. "We have seen a number of Canadian-based scams targeting UK residents and this cooperation arrangement will strengthen our ability to enforce the law."

The Arrangement, signed earlier today in London, England, formalizes the existing cooperative relationship between the agencies and sets out a framework for notification, coordination and cooperation in law enforcement activities, exchanges of information and avoidance of conflict. It will enhance trans-border merger review and help in the fight against international cartels and other anti-competitive activities affecting both Canada and the United Kingdom. The Arrangement builds on recommendations adopted by the OECD, in June 2003, which provide international guidelines for cooperation in the fight against cross-border fraudulent and deceptive commercial practices.

"It is important that we work with other jurisdictions to enhance competition law enforcement," said Mr. Pierce. "The Competition Bureau is committed to ensuring that Canada is not a safe haven for scam artists."

The Arrangement, which entered into force upon signing, is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that the Competition Bureau has the tools to effectively deal with increasingly globalized markets.

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that promotes and maintains fair competition so that all Canadians can benefit from competitive prices, product choice and quality service. It oversees the application of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Tim Weil
Director of Strategic Communications
Communications Branch
819-953-9271 or 613-296-2189 (cell.)

For general enquiries, please contact:
Information Centre
Competition Bureau
819-997-4282
1-800-348-5358