Canadian Government Announces Review of the Competition Act

On November 17, 2022, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry (Minister) announced the commencement of a review of the Competition Act (Act). The review is the next step in the Minister’s efforts to modernize the Act, following an increase in the Competition Bureau’s budget announced in the government’s 2021 budget, and amendments to the Act that were enacted on June 23, 2022.

The review will examine Canada’s competition framework, including the scope of the Act, the enforcement methods and corrective measures set out in the Act, and competition policy in increasingly digital and data-driven markets.

In connection with the review, the Canadian government has initiated a public consultation, seeking input from Canadian individuals and organizations “on broader changes to [the Act] and its enforcement framework, including changes that will help the Competition Bureau better protect consumers and the integrity of the marketplace.” To facilitate the public consultation the government has published a backgrounder, titled “Making Competition Work for Canadians” as well as a discussion paper, titled “The Future of Competition Policy in Canada”. 

Interested parties are invited to submit feedback by February 27, 2023. Comments collected in the consultation will help inform the next steps in the review process, including potential changes to the Act.

For more information, please contact any member of our Competition, Antitrust & Foreign Investment group.