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ARTICLE · 20 AUGUST 2025

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Cheese For Rats – Whistleblower Rewards Programs In Competition Law

McMillan LLP
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Rewards-based whistleblower programs involve the payment of monetary rewards to those who provide the government with key evidence assisting in the prosecution of criminal conduct.

GlobalAntitrust/Competition Law
James Musgrove
James Musgrove
François Tougas
François Tougas
Mishail Adeel
Mishail Adeel
Guy Pinsonnault
Guy Pinsonnault
Yuha Khan
Yuha Khan
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Rewards-based whistleblower programs involve the payment of monetary rewards to those who provide the government with key evidence assisting in the prosecution of criminal conduct. Over the last few years these whistleblower rewards programs have become a feature of both Canadian and American securities law enforcement. Now, with the introduction of the Whistleblower Rewards Program ("Rewards Program") by the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice ("US DOJ"), these programs have been extended to competition enforcement in the United States. This marks a divergence – for now – from Canada's competition law incentive programs for encouraging the reporting of offences.

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The foregoing provides only an overview and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are cautioned against making any decisions based on this material alone. Rather, specific legal advice should be obtained.

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