Business practices and consumer expectations have shifted dramatically since the last reforms. Major advances in digitization, social media, mass data collection, and artificial intelligence have turned traditional concepts of market power and anticompetitive behavior on their heads. In response to these changes, the Canadian government has spent the last two-and-a-half years undertaking a comprehensive modernization of its competition laws. But to date there is no firm consensus on the government’s choice of policy proposals. With so many divergent perspectives at play, what is needed most right now is a deeper discussion about the implications and future directions of competition law in Canada.
Professor Jennifer Quaid will convene a two-day symposium this June to foster in-depth analysis on the issues at hand. Entitled “Competition Policy in the 21st Century: Charting a Path Forward for Canada”, the event will bring together a broad cross-section of experts and stakeholders from academia, government, policy think tanks, advocacy groups and the private sector to share insights and provide clarity on the implications of these reforms. The modernization of the Competition Act has so far proceeded through Parliament in an expedited fashion, leaving only limited time for MPs and senators to consider written feedback on the legislative changes or to hear witnesses in committee. The upcoming symposium will make space for a full and frank discussion of the complete reform, fleshing out the legal and practical effects of the proposed changes on existing rules and enforcement practice.
Set to take place at the University of Ottawa on June 12-13, 2024, the Symposium's timing is key. It will occur between the formal enactment of the reforms and their implementation, offering a unique opportunity to address legal and practical concerns before the new Act takes full effect. The discussions in June will eventually be synthesized into a comprehensive document outlining key takeaways and recommendations for implementing the reforms and serving as a resource for policymakers.
Funded by a Connection Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and support from the Centre for International Governance Innovation, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and the University of Ottawa Professional Development Institute, this project ultimately aims to ensure that the reformed competition policy serves the public interest, promotes innovation, and sustains a vibrant economic future for Canada.
More information on the symposium will be shared soon.