Competition Bureau Releases Information Bulletin on Private Access to the Competition Tribunal

OTTAWA, September 18, 2003 — In order to ensure greater transparency, predictability and fairness, the Competition Bureau issued today its Information Bulletin on Private Access to the Competition Tribunal.

This Information Bulletin outlines and clarifies the Competition Bureau's role in a private access matter and under which circumstances the Competition Bureau would consider intervening in private access proceedings.

The private access provisions were added to the Competition Act, as part of the amendments within Bill C-23 which came into force in June 2002, to complement the Competition Bureau's public enforcement and increase the deterrent effect of the Act.

Private access to the Competition Tribunal is available for conduct reviewable under sections 75 (refusal to deal) and 77 (exclusive dealing, tied selling and market restriction) of the Competition Act. It is anticipated that private litigation before the Competition Tribunal will yield valuable jurisprudence which will assist the Competition Bureau in its enforcement and application of the Competition Act and will better delineate the bounds of legitimate behaviour to the business community.

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that ensures all Canadians enjoy the benefits of a competitive economy. 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:
André Leclair
Senior Communications Advisor
Competition Bureau
819-953-4257, or 613-290-1583 (cell.)

For general enquiries, please contact:
Competition Bureau's Information Centre
819-997-4282 or toll-free 1-800-348-5358