The problem, first of all, with using the word “criteria” is that the criterion that will be examined by the minister is the public interest. That's the criterion that's embodied in the act. The criterion that the Commissioner of Competition looks at is the lessening of competition. In determining whether that criterion has been met, factors are looked at. If you apply the same rationale to this proposed bill, the criterion that will have to be examined by the minister is the public interest. In doing so, he will be examining factors, and that's consistent with what's in the Competition Act.
On December 7th, 2006. See this statement in context.