THE NEW COMPETITION ACT

Abstract

In this article, the authors examine the most significant changes to Canada's competition law, introduced by the enactment of the Competition Act and the Competition Tribunal Act in June 1986. Among the key provisions are those providing for the review of mergers and monopolies on a civil rather than a criminal standard, and the creation of the Competition Tribunal empowered to issue orders in respect of these and other reviewable trade practices. The authors argue that the new law may signal a more sophisticated economic analysis in competition matters and that the availability of consent orders and advance clearance of mergers should strengthen both the role of the Director and the role of negotiation in respect of matters arising under the legislation.