Competition Bureau Targets Red Tape and Better Enforcement in the Global Economy

OTTAWA, June 8, 2005 – The International Competition Network (ICN) wrapped up its fourth annual conference today, in Bonn Germany, with solid proposals to cut red tape in multi-jurisdictional merger review and improve competition law enforcement and advocacy in the global economy. Canada’s Commissioner of Competition, Sheridan Scott, was selected as a Vice-Chair of the ICN’s Steering Group and co-chair of its new working group on telecommunications services.

"The increasing technological shift in telecommunications presents a challenge to competition authorities," said Ms. Scott. "This new group will identify optimal approaches to assist ICN members in the creation and enforcement of pro-competitive laws and regulations in the telecommunications sector."

This year’s conference, held from June 6-8, brought together more than 80 competition agencies to promote convergence in multi-jurisdictional merger review, to advance competition law enforcement in developing countries, to address challenges of both domestic and international anti-cartel enforcement, and to study the role of competition enforcement in regulated sectors. ICN members were joined by international organizations and 100 non-governmental advisors, including representatives of the legal, business, economic, consumer and academic communities.

"I am very pleased with the ICN’s achievements to date," said Ms. Scott. "We continue to address issues related to economic globalization and share best practices with competition authorities worldwide."

The ICN also confirmed that Senior Deputy Commissioner Denyse MacKenzie will continue to co-chair a sub-group on enforcement techniques for cartels and Assistant Commissioner Sally Southey will remain as co-chair of a sub-group on examining business outreach. Assistant Deputy Commissioner Chris Martin will also continue his role as co-chair of the Operational Framework Working Group.

ICN documents are available at www.internationalcompetiti onnetwork.org.

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency. We contribute to the prosperity of Canadians by protecting and promoting competitive markets and enabling informed consumer choice.

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