Source: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Competition Bureau Challenges BC Landfill Merger

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 26, 2011) - The Competition Bureau announced today that it has applied to the Competition Tribunal for an order to dissolve CCS Corporation's acquisition of Complete Environmental Inc., owner of the proposed Babkirk Secure Landfill in Northeastern British Columbia.

Following a thorough review, the Bureau concluded that CCS's acquisition of the proposed Babkirk Secure Landfill will result in a substantial prevention of competition for the disposal of hazardous waste, produced largely at oil and gas facilities in Northeastern British Columbia.

"CCS's purchase of the Babkirk Secure Landfill prevents competition substantially," said Melanie Aitken, Commissioner of Competition. "By purchasing, rather than face competing with the Babkirk Secure Landfill, CCS will prevent the entry of competition into the market for secure hazardous waste disposal in Northeastern British Columbia."

The Babkirk Landfill is located 130 km north of Fort St. John, BC. Complete Environmental obtained regulatory approval to convert Babkirk into a secure landfill in February 2010. CCS currently operates the only two operational secure landfills in British Columbia. Had the Babkirk Secure Landfill opened, it would have been CCS's competitor.

The challenge to this acquisition was made under section 92 of the Competition Act. Mergers in Canada are subject to review by the Competition Bureau to ensure they do not lead to a substantial lessening or prevention of competition. The Bureau's application will be available shortly on the Competition Tribunal's Web site. This is the first merger challenge filed by the Bureau since 2005.

The Competition Bureau, as an independent law enforcement agency, ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace.

Enquiries/Complaints

Contact Information: For media enquiries, please contact:
Public Affairs Branch
Alexa Keating
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819-953-9760
or
For general enquiries, please contact:
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819-997-4282 / Toll free: 1-800-348-5358
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www.competitionbureau.gc.ca