By Quin Gilbert-Walters, Ian Macdonald

On Sept. 27, the Competition Bureau and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) announced the revised Immunity and Leniency Programs to enhance the Bureau’s ability to detect, investigate, and prosecute anti-competitive conduct that violates the provisions of the Competition Act and the Criminal Code. The Programs provide incentives for parties who come forward to seek immunity or leniency in return for their cooperation in any Bureau investigation or subsequent PPSC prosecution of others involve in the anti-competitive conduct.

The Programs were updated in an effort to keep pace with changes in the way organizations and individuals behave with respect to competition. The Programs improve transparency and predictability for applicants and increase the incentives for those who come forward first.