On March 6, 2012, the Competition Bureau announced that Alison Tait has been appointed the new Deputy Commissioner, Civil Matters Branch
In making the announcement, the Bureau said:
“Ms. Tait has extensive experience in industrial policy, program development, and international business development, both in Canada and the United States, and is currently Director General of the Automotive and Transportation Industries Branch at Industry Canada. She has developed and implemented a number of initiatives aimed at ensuring the long-term competitiveness of the automotive sector in Canada.
She has previously served as Industry Canada’s Director responsible for Tourism, the 2010 Olympics, and Trade & Investment. Ms. Tait has also worked at the Canadian Consulate General in Boston as an Investment Counsellor, where she was responsible for attracting foreign direct investment and venture capital to Canada.”
The Competition Bureau is organized into a number of civil and criminal related “branches” consisting of: Civil Matters, Compliance and Operations, Criminal Matters, Economic Policy and Enforcement, Fair Business Practices, Legal Support, Legislative and International Affairs, Mergers and Public Affairs.
The Civil Matters Branch is responsible for administering and enforcing the civil provisions of the federal Competition Act, which include the civil misleading advertising provision (section 74.01), abuse of dominance (sections 78 and 79), refusal to deal (section 75), exclusive dealing / tied selling / market restriction (section 77) and price maintenance (section 76).
As a practical matter, the Civil Matters, Criminal Matters and Mergers Branches of the Bureau are generally the most relevant for companies and individuals, which deal with the majority of competition law complaints, investigations, mergers and other competition law matters in Canada.
For the Bureau’s complete news release see:
Alison Tait Appointed Deputy Commissioner of Civil Matters Branch
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