Cartel enforcement in Canada is heavily dependent on the use of
informants. This is explained by two principal factors: first,
cartel conduct is, by its very nature, secretive and carried out in
the shadows of business life. Second, Canada's Competition
Bureau, which is responsible for investigating cartels, is subject
to budget constraints that limit its ability to expose and detect
cartel conduct on its own.
In recognition of these realities, the Competition Bureau
employs several tools to encourage informants to come forward with
incriminating evidence. The best known of these tools is the
Bureau's Immunity/Leniency program, where the Bureau will
recommend favourable prosecution and sentencing treatment for
parties who come forward with evidence of cartel conduct in which
they are involved. This favourable treatment will vary depending
upon the timeliness of the information and cooperation provided.
For example, parties who are "first in" to report a
cartel may be
