Competition Bureau Updates

In a recent speech, Canada’s new Commissioner of Competition, Matthew Boswell, shared his vision for the Bureau and competition law in Canada.

The Commissioner wants the Bureau to be among the world’s leading competition agencies, with an emphasis on the digital economy, and plans to take an active approach to enforcement that promotes competition while safeguarding Canadians against anti-competitive conduct. The Commissioner committed to increased transparency and communication with businesses and the public about the Bureau’s work.

Here are key takeaways for marketers:

• The Deceptive Marketing Practices Division will continue to prioritize misleading representations made online and collaboration on borderless digital conduct.
• A soon to be announced new Chief Digital Enforcement Officer will bolster the Bureau’s enforcement work in the digital economy by a) providing ongoing advice to ensure the technology, tools and techniques to capture evidence of deceptive marketing practices made online; b) monitoring the “threat landscape” and the underlying emerging technologies; and c) forging relationships with domestic and international partners and stakeholders in the context of digital enforcement.
• A Data Forum focused on the impact of data-driven innovation and regulatory and enforcement challenges will be held at the end of May 2019.
• The Bureau will continue to foster strong partnerships and greater international collaboration with competition authorities. The Bureau has been designated President-Elect of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) for the period July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. In this capacity, the Bureau will focus on promoting truth in advertising online and building consumer confidence in the digital economy.

The regulatory landscape is constantly changing and staying up-to-date is important. If you are unsure of where to turn, the Canadian Marketing Association provides guidance and support to its members on a wide variety of issues. Check our site for resources and policy topics and stay up-to-date by subscribing to our Top 5 Picks e-newsletter through MyCMA.

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