Competition and trade practices law in Canada is governed by the Competition Act, which prohibits anti-competitive practices and promotes fair and efficient competition in the Canadian marketplace.
The Competition Act prohibits a number of anti-competitive practices, including:
Price fixing: Agreements between competitors to set or maintain prices.
Market division: Agreements between competitors to divide up markets or customers.
Exclusive dealing: Agreements between a supplier and a buyer that prevent the buyer from dealing with other suppliers.
Tied selling: Agreements between a supplier and a buyer that require the buyer to purchase one product in order to purchase another product.
Abuse of dominance: Actions by a dominant firm that harm competition, such as predatory pricing or refusing to deal with competitors.
The Competition Act also prohibits a number of deceptive marketing practices, such as:
False or misleading advertising: Making false or misleading claims about a product or service.
Bait-and-switch advertising: Advertising a product or service at a low price and then trying to sell the consumer a different product or service at a higher price.
Unfair contract terms: Terms in a contract that are unfair to consumers, such as terms that allow the business to cancel the contract at any time but not the consumer.
How to comply with the Competition Act
Businesses can comply with the Competition Act by avoiding anti-competitive practices and deceptive marketing practices. Businesses should also be aware of their rights and obligations under the Competition Act.
How can a competition lawyer help you?
A competition lawyer can help you with all aspects of competition and trade practices law, including:
- Advising you on your rights and obligations under the Competition Act
- Reviewing your business practices to ensure that they comply with the Competition Act
- Representing you in investigations and proceedings by the Competition Bureau
The Competition Bureau is the federal agency responsible for enforcing the Competition Act. The Competition Bureau offers a number of resources for businesses, such as compliance guides and online training modules. Businesses can also contact the Competition Bureau for advice on their compliance obligations.
If you have any questions about competition and trade practices law, it is important to consult with a competition lawyer to discuss your specific situation.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.