Competition Law and Deregulation in Canada

This essay "Competition Law and Deregulation in Canada" discusses the nature of competition policy and the trend toward deregulation. The principal question considered is whether Canada’s Competition Act is sufficient to fill the gaps left by deregulation? This essay consists of several parts. The first provides the background regarding the history and purpose of competition legislation and policy in Canada. The second part discusses the trend toward deregulation and changes in the marketplace. The third part provides a discussion of several industry case studies (telecommunications, broadcasting and electrictity). The fourth consists of a discussion of the future. The author argues that as certain industries become deregulated there will be a corresponding increase in the Competition Act’s role and importance. This essay further suggests that in order to ensure that the Competition Act and competition policy are better able to meet the challenges of global change government authorities and consumers will have to pursue a number of initiatives, including legislative reform and harmonization, inter-agency enforcement coordination, and public education. This research essay was submitted yo the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research of Carleton University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts. It will be of interest to students of political science, public policy, competition law, and history.