The Competition Bureau will host the 2017 ICN Cartel Workshop in Ottawa

Cartel experts from around the world to focus on combatting price-fixing and bid-rigging in public procurement

OTTAWA, Oct. 5, 2016 /CNW/ - When the 14^th International Competition Network (ICN) Cartel Workshop is held in Ottawa next year, the focus will be on fighting price-fixing and bid-rigging in public procurement.

The Competition Bureau will host the meeting of representatives from more than 50 competition law enforcement agencies from across the world. The ICN will also invite speakers from the procurement community for panel discussions. The specific dates for the annual two-and-a-half-day conference have yet to be determined.

Hosting this international gathering of experts aligns well with the Bureau's objective to proactively deter and detect potential cartel activity with a particular focus on public procurement given the Canadian Government announcement in March of its 10-year $120-billion infrastructure program.

The workshop will allow participants to share best practices and will equip the public procurement community with tools to prevent, recognize and reject bid-rigging and other unlawful cartel activities.

Workshop participants will also learn the latest on tender design, proactive bid-rigging detection and deterrence, as well as the value in establishing a corporate compliance program.

Quick Facts

• Manipulation of the public procurement process inhibits investment, innovation and economic development.
• The presence of bid-rigging and other collusive agreements can increase the cost of public projects, and results in inferior quality and reduced choice.
• Cracking down on cartels is a top enforcement priority for the Bureau and we will continue to vigorously pursue those who participate in cartel activities.

Quote

"I am happy to announce that the Bureau will host the 2017 ICN Cartel Workshop under the theme of combatting cartels in public procurement. As Canada is about to celebrate its 150^th anniversary and invest massively in infrastructure, this is a prime opportunity for the procurement community to be in on the ground floor to exchange with world-class experts and enforcers."  

John Pecman,
Commissioner of Competition

Associated Links

• International Competition Network
• International Competition Network – Cartel Working Group
• ICN Cartel Workshop in Madrid

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The Competition Bureau, as an independent law enforcement agency, ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace.

SOURCE Competition Bureau

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