Calls for more competition to combat soaring grocery prices
"A new report says there's a lack of competition in the grocery business — and consumers are paying the price. Right now, there are just five big players dominating the market in Canada."
Maple Leaf chair Michael McCain knew about alleged bread price-fixing, Competition Bureau document suggests
"With an investigation continuing in the wake of Canada Bread's admission of guilt for its role in one of the country's largest price-fixing scandals, a document in the long-running case's court file suggest federal authorities believed that Maple Leaf Foods executive chair Michael McCain had personal knowledge of the alleged scheme."
Canada's Media Policy Should Not Be Driven By Coercion
June 19, 2023 - In response to Canada's news funding law C-18, Meta and Google have threatened to cut off access to Canadian news sources. Writing for CIGI, CAMP Executive Director Keldon Bester details the danger to Canadian democracy if the government caves to corporate power.
Read the full article here.
CAMP submission to the Competition Bureau’s RFI in its investigation of RBC-HSBC Canada
A competitive banking sector is the bedrock of a free, fair and democratic economy, responsible for safekeeping the savings of Canadians, providing pathways to home ownership, and opportunities for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses. The acquisition of HSBC Canada by RBC would remove an aggressive competitor and further entrench an incumbent in Canada’s oligopoly banking market.
- As record high mortgage payments increase in a higher interest rate environment, the removal of HSBC Canada, an aggressive competitor in the mortgage market, will further financially stress Canadians
- Small businesses, already experiencing a lack of competition in Canada’s concentrated banking market, will lose an option for the banking services necessary for operating and expanding their businesses with the removal of HSBC Canada
- While the Bureau’s public request for information is a step in the right direction, the window for Canadians to provide input should be extended for future requests
Amid a cost of living crisis and persistent economic uncertainty, Canadians need a more, not less, competitive banking sector.
Read the full submission here.
Are Canada's competition laws outdated? Some say it's time for change
"Whether checking in at the airport or checking out at the grocery store, it seems everywhere you turn these days, you find frustrated consumers. Many complain about high prices or limited choices across sectors — and blame lack of competition."
Terence Corcoran: Canadian competition chief enlists U.S. in bureau's 'monopoly' war
"In an unusual if not unprecedented intervention, the head of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — America’s top antitrust enforcer — recently joined the U.S. assistant attorney general for antitrust to send Canadian Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne a nine-page letter of advice on how to reform Ottawa’s competition policy."