OTTAWA, April 4, 2008 -- The Competition Bureau today obtained a prohibition order against GDG Environnement Ltée and its CEO, Jean-Guy Lanouette, and La Société générale de foresterie Sylvico inc. and its CEO, Réjean Bergevin, preventing them from committing any offence contrary to the conspiracy and bid-rigging provisions of the Competition Act. The order was issued without any admission of liability or guilt under the Act.
The Superior Court of Quebec issued the order following the Bureau's investigation into attempts made by the two companies to make arrangements with some of their competitors to protect their market shares in the supply of bio-insecticides and insect control services, primarily in Quebec.
The court ordered the two companies and their CEOs to implement and maintain measures to enable them to comply with the conspiracy and bid-rigging provisions (sections 45 and 47) of the Competition Act. The companies will provide all employees with a notice that a Competition Act conformity policy is in place, and that non-conformity could lead to disciplinary action, and even dismissal.
"The court's order addresses the Bureau's concerns. Arrangements between competitors can have a negative impact on a market, affecting prices, product choice, and the quality of services Canadians can expect," said John Pecman, Acting Senior Deputy Commissioner of Competition.
The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency. We contribute to the prosperity of Canadians by protecting and promoting competitive markets and enabling informed consumer choice.
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