OTTAWA, June 8, 2005 -- The International Competition Network (ICN) wrapped up its fourth annual conference today, in Bonn Germany, with solid proposals to cut red tape in multi-jurisdictional merger review and improve competition law enforcement and advocacy in the global economy. Canada's Commissioner of Competition, Sheridan Scott, was selected as a Vice-Chair of the ICN's Steering Group and co-chair of its new working group on telecommunications services. "The increasing technological shift in telecommunications presents a challenge to competition authorities," said Ms. Scott. "This new group will identify optimal approaches to assist ICN members in the creation and enforcement of pro-competitive laws and regulations in the telecommunications sector." This year's conference, held from June 6-8, brought together more than 80 competition agencies to promote convergence in multi-jurisdictional merger review, to advance competition law enforcement in developing countries, to address challenges of both domestic and international anti-cartel enforcement, and to study the role of competition enforcement in regulated sectors. ICN members were joined by international organizations and 100 non-governmental advisors, including representatives of the legal, business, economic, consumer and academic communities. "I am very pleased with the ICN's achievements to date," said Ms. Scott. "We continue to address issues related to economic globalization and share best practices with competition authorities worldwide." The ICN also confirmed that Senior Deputy Commissioner Denyse MacKenzie will continue to co-chair a sub-group on enforcement techniques for cartels and Assistant Commissioner Sally Southey will remain as co-chair of a sub-group on examining business outreach. Assistant Deputy Commissioner Chris Martin will also continue his role as co-chair of the Operational Framework Working Group. The Competition Bureau was a key player in the creation of the ICN in October 2001 with competition agencies from 13 other jurisdictions around the world. It now includes over 90 member agencies from over 80 jurisdictions. The ICN is a project-oriented and consensus-based organization, with members from developed and developing economies. Its Recommended Practices are non-binding but, once adopted by the ICN, they form a baseline for sound competition enforcement practice. ICN documents are available at http://www.InternationalCompetitionNetwork.org. The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that promotes and maintains fair competition so that all Canadians can benefit from competitive prices, product choice and quality service. It oversees the application of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act. -30- For media enquiries, please contact: Tim Weil Director of Strategic Communications Communications Branch (819) 953-9271 For general enquiries, please contact: Information Centre Competition Bureau (819) 997-4282 1-800-348-5358
