Federal Government Creates Competition Policy Review Panel

Article by Brian Facey © 2007, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Originally published in Blakes Bulletin on Competition Law, September, 2007

On July 12, 2007, the federal government announced the creation of a Competition Policy Review Panel that will be chaired by Lynton "Red" Wilson. In addition to Mr. Wilson, four other prominent Canadian businesspeople have been appointed to the Panel. The creation of the Panel fulfills the federal government’s promise in its long-term economic plan, Advantage Canada, and in the 2007 budget, to undertake a review of Canada’s competition and foreign investment policies.

The Panel will review key provisions of Canada’s Competition Act and Investment Canada Act. It is expected that the Panel will consider potential changes to both the criminal and civil provisions of the Competition Act. In terms of the Investment Canada Act, it is expected that the Panel will consider the treatment of state-owned enterprises and the possibility of including a