Competition Bureau Seeks Input on Updated Corporate Compliance Programs Bulletin

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 18, 2014) - Competition Bureau

Commissioner of Competition John Pecman today announced the release of a draft update of the Competition Bureau's Corporate Compliance Programs Bulletin for public comment.

In a speech at the Canadian Bar Association's Annual Competition Law Fall Conference in Ottawa, Commissioner Pecman presented the draft Bulletin as a key part of the Bureau's ongoing efforts to support healthy competition in Canada by promoting compliance. Compliance with the law ensures competitive markets, spurring innovation and economic activity that benefits businesses and delivers lower prices and more choice to consumers.

The Commissioner emphasized that the best way for companies to reduce their risk of involvement in anti-competitive activities is to put in place a credible and effective corporate compliance program.

The draft Bulletin reflects new developments in how the Bureau will recognize and consider such programs in the enforcement of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act. The draft update has also expanded the Bulletin to provide more guidance and incentives for Canadian businesses to develop and maintain credible and effective compliance programs.

By updating the Bulletin, the Bureau aims to facilitate compliance efforts within the private sector, to the benefit of both consumers and businesses.

The full version of the Commissioner's remarks can be found on the Bureau's website.

Quick Facts

- Interested parties are invited to provide comments on the draft Bulletin by email, fax or mail no later than November 17, 2014, to:

- Responses will be posted on the Bureau's website, unless it is specifically requested that they be kept confidential.

- Consultations on the draft Bulletin support the Bureau's Action Plan on Transparency, which promotes the development of a more efficient and responsive agency, while providing Canadians with more opportunities to learn about the Bureau's work.

Quote

"I am pleased to announce that we are seeking comments on an updated draft of the Bureau's Corporate Compliance Programs Bulletin. The Bulletin outlines the steps Canadian businesses should take in establishing credible and effective compliance programs. These programs are the best way for a business to mitigate its risk of contravening the law and promote a culture of compliance that will benefit both the business and its customers."

John Pecman, Commissioner of Competition

Related Information

- Draft update of the Corporate Compliance Programs Bulletin

- Commissioner Pecman's remarks at the CBA's Annual Fall Conference on Sept. 18, 2014

- Public Consultations

- Corporate Compliance Programs Bulletin (September 2010)

Associated Links

- Action Plan on Transparency

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