Canada: Competition Bureau cracking down on construction cartels

The Competition Bureau and Defence Construction Canada (DCC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) intended to enhance co-operation in ensuring fairness and competition in the public procurement processes.

A late December statement said the MOU will help to protect public contracts from bid-rigging and other criminal cartel activities.

The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration in three areas:

• detecting and addressing potential cartel activity in relation to DCC procurement;
• sharing resources, information and best practices related to procurement and competition law; and
• engaging in joint education and outreach activities to raise awareness about detecting and preventing cartels.

The release stated information sharing is subject to the organizations’ respective confidentiality and privacy obligations. The organizations will not exchange information if doing so would contravene any relevant legislation, policies, guidance documents, or international agreements.

Full Content: Canada

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.