Competition Bureau Report on Algorithmic Pricing Feedback

Competition Bureau Canada

Published January 22nd, 2026

Detected February 11th, 2026

Summary

The Competition Bureau of Canada has published a report summarizing public feedback on algorithmic pricing and competition. The report highlights key themes from over 100 submissions regarding market efficiencies, anticompetitive behavior, data transparency, and the need for balanced regulation.

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What changed

The Competition Bureau has released a "What We Heard" report detailing public feedback from a consultation on algorithmic pricing and competition. The report synthesizes over 100 submissions from various stakeholders, including businesses, academics, and consumer groups, identifying four main themes: the potential for market efficiencies, risks of anticompetitive behavior, concerns over data transparency, and the balance between regulation and innovation.

This report is an informational output from a consultation process and does not introduce new regulatory requirements or deadlines. It serves to inform the Bureau's understanding of emerging trends in algorithmic pricing. Regulated entities and interested parties should review the report to understand the current discussions and potential future policy directions in this area.

Source document (simplified)

Competition Bureau report highlights public feedback on algorithmic pricing and competition

From: Competition Bureau Canada

News release

Competition Bureau report highlights public feedback on algorithmic pricing and competition

January 22, 2026 – GATINEAU (Québec), Competition Bureau

Algorithmic pricing is on the rise worldwide. In sectors ranging from hospitality to concert tickets to ridesharing, businesses are using algorithms to guide pricing strategies for their products or services.

Today, the Competition Bureau published a What We Heard **** report highlighting the feedback received through its recent public consultation on algorithmic pricing and competition.

The Bureau received more than 100 submissions from a range of domestic and international respondents, including individuals, businesses, industry associations, members of the academic and legal communities, and consumer interest groups.

The report outlines the main issues that they raised and the four key themes echoed in their feedback:

Dynamically setting or recommending prices creates market efficiencies.
Algorithmic pricing can lead to anticompetitive behaviour.
A lack of data transparency could harm consumers, workers and competition.
Government regulations should address anticompetitive conduct without stifling innovation. The purpose of the consultation was for the Bureau to build a robust understanding of algorithmic pricing so we could respond swiftly and effectively to this emerging trend. We thank all those who provided feedback.

Quotes

“Algorithmic pricing can improve efficiency and choice, but it also presents risks related to fairness, transparency, and competition. We will continue to engage with partners, the international community, market participants and Canadians as we advance our understanding of these emerging competition issues.”

Jeanne Pratt
Acting Commissioner of Competition

Quick facts

The Bureau consulted on its Algorithmic pricing and competition: Discussion paper from June 10 to August 4, 2025.
All submissions received as part of this consultation are available to the public, except where confidentiality was specifically requested.
In January 2025, the Bureau also issued a report summarizing feedback on artificial intelligence (AI) and competition following its consultation.

Associated links

Competition Bureau seeks feedback on algorithmic pricing and competition

Contacts

Media inquiries: Media Relations
Email: media-cb-bc@cb-bc.gc.ca

General information:
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The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses. Competition drives lower prices and innovation while fueling economic growth.