Lawson Hunter, one of Canada's most respected competition and trade lawyers, has quit private practice to become executive vice-president at media and communications company Bell Canada Enterprises

Hunter was a partner at Stikeman Elliott, based in the firm's Ottawa and Toronto offices.

“He'll be responsible for the company's regulatory affairs and for a broader agenda of public policy issues,” said Bell Canada chief executive officer Michael Sabia.

Before joining Stikeman, Hunter held a number of senior government positions, and was considered the driving force behind the development of Canada's Competition Act, which was enacted in 1986.

Hunter was responsible for the enforcement of the act as Director of Investigation and Research, and also held the post of Assistant Deputy Minister of Industry, with responsibility for the Bureau of Competition Policy.