Conspiracies and bid-rigging: Fighting cartels in Canada

News Release

A panel discussion presented by the Competition Bureau

March 16, 2016 — OTTAWA, ON — Competition Bureau

Combatting cartels is one of the most important jobs for the Competition Bureau and competition authorities worldwide. A cartel is born when businesses agree to act together instead of competing with each other, all the while maintaining the illusion of competition.

For the 3^rd edition of Anti‑Cartel Day, the Bureau, in collaboration with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, invited its partners to take part in a panel discussion on cartels. The goal of the discussion is to explain that cartels exist in Canada—and we are not just talking illicit drugs. John Pecman, Commissioner of Competition, will deliver the opening remarks.

The goal of the panel discussion is to help businesses and consumers better understand how cartels work, but most importantly how to recognize them, reject them and report them.

Members of the panel include:

• Mr. Matthew Boswell, Senior Deputy Commissioner, Cartels and Deceptive Marketing Practices Branch, Competition Bureau
• Mr. Warren Everson, Senior Vice President, Policy, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
• Mr. Tom Whittaker, Detective Staff Sergeant, Anti‑Racket Branch, Ontario Provincial Police
• Mr. Michel Pelletier, Director of Operations, Unité anti‑corruption

Quick Facts

• Cartels may take shape in various ways. They may be informal or highly structured, anything from an informal discussion at a café to highly organized associations with exclusive memberships. They can be local, national or international in scope.
• The most common forms of cartel conduct are:
  • Rigging bids
  • Fixing prices
  • Sharing markets
  • Limiting supply
• Cartels are illegal because they can lead to higher prices, decreased product choice and less innovation. They syphon off billions of dollars from the global economy each year.
• The panel discussion is being held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Videotron studio, 25 Laurier Street, Gatineau, Qc and will be broadcast live on cable channel 9 in Gatineau.

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Related Information

• Competition in the Construction Industry
• Related fact sheets:
  • Cartels in Canada
  • Whistleblowing Initiative

Associated Links

• Videos on cartels and bid‑rigging
• Immunity Program
• Leniency Program
• Whistleblowing Initiative
• Corporate Compliance Programs Bulletin

Contacts

For media enquiries, please contact:
Media Relations
Telephone: 819-994-5945
Email: media-cb-bc@cb-bc.gc.ca

For general enquiries, please contact:
Information Centre
Competition Bureau
Telephone: 819-997-4282
Toll free: 1-800-348-5358
TTY (hearing impaired): 1-866-694-8389
www.competitionbureau.gc.ca
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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.

Hon. Navdeep Singh Bains Competition Bureau Law