Competition at a crossroads – looking forward to the year ahead

  • October 07, 2019

It is with a deep sense of honour and gratitude that I take on the role of Chair of the CBA Competition Law Section for the 2019-2020 year. Given the tremendous work of my predecessors, the Section is in terrific shape and I look forward to building on the Section’s successes and achievements alongside my fellow Executive members. In particular, the Section will: (1) seek to raise awareness in Canada of the importance of competition law and policy; and (2) contribute to the competition policy dialogue that is occurring internationally.

Competition law and policy are at a crossroads. Fundamental questions are being asked around the world - Are existing competition laws up to the task in the new digital economy? What is the harm that competition laws are supposed to prevent or address? We see governments in the US, Europe and Asia grappling with these questions. Given the integrated nature of the global economy, Canada needs to be part of the discussion and the Section will take an active role in this regard.

Competition law is the foundation of market economies - it impacts our economic well-being and lives in so many ways - from the prices we pay for goods and services, to the quality and choice available to us for such goods and services, to how we connect and interact with each other. And yet, the benefits of sound competition law and policy are not always apparent to Canadians, with the result that competition law and policy are not prioritized by governments as much as it should. The Section will step up its efforts in advocating for competition and sound competition policy with the government and the public.

Fall Conference – Don’t Miss Out

We will be kicking things off with the CBA’s Competition Law Fall Conference (October 17-18, Ottawa), chaired by Neil Campbell of McMillan LLP. The Conference will be preceded, as usual, by the Competition Bureau’s charity golf tournament on October 16. I am sure the golf antics will prove entertaining, while the amazing conference program will prove to be educational, enlightening and provocative. Don’t miss out – register today.

CBA Competition Law Conference
Thursday, October 17 to Friday, October 18, 2019
Shaw Centre, Ottawa, ON
Register Now

Get Involved, Earn CPD Credits

Throughout the year, be on the lookout for numerous programs put on by the Section’s 12 committees and for publications from the Canadian Competition Law Review (CCLR). The strength of the Section is its members and their contributions.

I would encourage everyone to become engaged in the Section’s various committees or ad hoc task forces or contributing to the CCLR. Be sure to enroll in the Section committee listservs or join the Competition Law Section LinkedIn page to keep informed about upcoming programs.

I look forward to seeing all of you at the Fall Conference and our many events throughout the year.

All the best,

Huy Do
Chair, CBA Competition Law Section 2019-2020