We undertake investigations and reviews pursuant to the Act, and there are several ways through which that can occur.
It can occur if a complaint is lodged or if the Bureau hears about a particular situation. In order for the Bureau to conduct an investigation, the particular issue must be consistent with its mandate. It must raise issues in relation to the provisions dealing with mergers, and abuse of dominant position under the Act—for example, allegations that competitors have agreed to fix prices, allocate markets to themselves or divide production among themselves.
In that context, if allegations are made and forwarded to the Bureau, we review them and start an investigation in accordance with our Act. We have done that a number of times in this industry, but in all kinds of other industries as well. Once we are made aware of allegations, we review them. If there is a serious issue under the Act and we feel it is appropriate to take steps, we do so. We can proceed by laying criminal charges, in the context of a criminal investigation, or by referring the matter to the Competition Tribunal, which is the specialized tribunal with responsibility for hearing Competition Bureau cases.