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April 28, 2022 – The C.D. Howe Institute Competition Policy Council supports the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry’s recent statement that “competition in the economy is the driving force behind innovation, efficiency and adaptability.”

However, in “Bring on the Competition: Reforming Canada’s Competition Act,” the Council’s 22nd report, it cautions that rushed amendments to the Competition Act without careful consideration and thoughtful debate could have unintended consequences for these forces in the Canadian economy. “Even perceived shortcomings in the Competition Act may not easily be addressed without unintended consequences,” according to the Council’s latest Communiqué.

Notably, the Council commended the Minister for his commitment to carefully evaluate potential ways to improve the operation of the Act in recognition of its critical role in promoting dynamic and fair markets, and supported the government’s intention to consult broadly on its role, functioning and enforcement regime, which was articulated in Budget 2022.

“Any review of the Act should include a wide range of views by involving representatives of the legal and business communities, academics and economists, consumer advocates, labour, and other emerging voices and critical stakeholders,” says the Council’s Communiqué.

The Council is comprised of top-ranked academics and practitioners active in the field of competition law and policy, and provides analysis of emerging competition policy issues. Elisa Kearney, Partner, Competition and Foreign Investment Review and Litigation at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, acts as chair. Meanwhile, Benjamin Dachis, Associate Vice President, Public Affairs at the C.D. Howe Institute and Professor Edward Iacobucci, Competition Policy Scholar at the Institute, advise the program. The Council, whose members participate in their personal capacities, convenes a neutral forum to test competing visions and to share views on competition policy with practitioners, policymakers and the public.

For more information contact: Lauren Malyk, Communications Officer, C.D. Howe Institute, 416-865-1904 Ext. 0247, lmalyk@cdhowe.org

The C.D. Howe Institute is an independent not-for-profit research institute whose mission is to raise living standards by fostering economically sound public policies. Widely considered to be Canada's most influential think tank, the Institute is a trusted source of essential policy intelligence, distinguished by research that is nonpartisan, evidence-based and subject to definitive expert review.