Welcome, Mr. Minister, to our committee. I realize that this is the first time you appear before us.
We expected you to give us an overview in your opening remarks and that is not what we heard. We will ask you questions and perhaps we will be able to glean your best ideas in terms of consumers. I am very concerned about the Competition Act specifically, and I would like to ask you some questions in that regard.
Minister, consumers are robbed of millions of dollars each year as a result of either deceptive practices in marketing or anti-competitive behaviour by certain businesses. Consumers in the United States, Australia, and Europe seem to have recourse to much stronger competition law to protect them, particularly when it relates to providing something more than simply a cease and desist or an injunction--something with teeth in terms of monetary penalties. What's your plan as far as your portfolio in your new days as minister, to ensure that businesses that rip people off face meaningful, legally defendable administrative monetary penalties?
The second question would deal with consumer protection in this country as it relates to organizations that tend to advocate for consumers. Industries tend be very well organized and they receive rather generous support from governments to continue their advocacy work. We see that often with good bills meant to reform--agreed to by, for instance, your Competition Bureau-- constantly being stalled by these groups. Will your government significantly increase the support it provides for institutions that protect consumers?
Minister, this committee spent a considerable amount of time on Bill C-19, which was before the House until the government was defeated. Will you commit now to reintroducing Bill C-19 to protect consumers and to ensure we have a level playing field in Canada both for business and for consumers?