A New Era Of Canadian Competition Law

Over the past three years, the Competition Act has undergone its most significant transformation in decades. Through three waves of legislative amendments – introduced through Bills C-19, C-56, and C-59 – the framework for competition law enforcement in Canada has been fundamentally reshaped. Together, these reforms have expanded the powers of both the Commissioner of Competition and private parties, signaling a more aggressive and proactive enforcement regime.

Below is a summary of the key changes, grouped by legislative package.

First Wave: Expanding Liability and Penalties

Bill C-19 (June 2022)

• Wage-Fixing & No-Poach Agreements Criminalized – Employers who agree to fix wages or refrain from hiring each other's employees now face criminal sanctions. Penalties are no longer capped at $25 million and are instead left to the discretion of the court.