Competition Bureau – June 22, 2023, new legal provisions come into force

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses. Competition drives lower prices and innovation while fueling economic growth. The Competition Bureau works to support and protect Canadians by fostering a competitive and innovative marketplace. They do this using various methods, including advocacy, outreach, consultations, partnerships, and enforcement.

In June 2022, the Government of Canada made changes to the Competition Act, including adding subsection 45(1.1) to the existing criminal conspiracy provisions. This new subsection protects competition in labour markets by prohibiting agreements between employers to fix wages and restrict job mobility. Like agreements between competitors related to price-fixing, market allocation and output restrictions, wage-fixing and no-poaching agreements undermine competition and the efficient allocation of resources. Maintaining and encouraging competition among employers results in higher wages and salaries, as well as better benefits and employment opportunities for employees.

Today we’re meeting with Majid Charania, Director of Compliance. The unit is responsible for promoting compliance with the Competition Act and today we’re going to discuss a new section of the law that prohibits wage fixing and no poaching agreements.

Wage fixing and no poaching guidance: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/competition-bureau-canada/en/how-we-foster- competition/education-and-outreach/enforcement-guidelines-wage-fixing-and- no-poaching-agreements

Competition Bureau complaint form: https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/frm-eng/GH%C3%89T-7TDNA5

Competition Bureau info centre – request information : https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/frm-eng/GH%C3%89T-7SEN3J Bureau resources and social media: https://twitter.com/CompBureau https://www.facebook.com/competitionbureaucanada https://linktr.ee/BureauResources