Competition Tribunal Dismisses Google's Constitutional Challenge

Competition Bureau Canada

Filed March 4th, 2026

Detected March 4th, 2026

Summary

The Competition Tribunal has dismissed Google's constitutional challenge against the Competition Bureau's abuse of dominance litigation. The Tribunal affirmed its authority to impose administrative monetary penalties. The underlying case against Google regarding anti-competitive conduct in online advertising continues.

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What changed

The Competition Tribunal has dismissed Google's constitutional challenge, ruling that the Tribunal has clear authority to order administrative monetary penalties to deter anti-competitive behaviour. This decision means the Competition Bureau's ongoing litigation against Google for alleged anti-competitive conduct in the online advertising market will proceed. The Bureau maintains its findings that Google has used its dominant position to prevent competition, inhibit innovation, and increase advertising costs.

While this ruling dismisses Google's procedural challenge, the substantive case concerning Google's alleged abuse of dominance and potential penalties remains before the Competition Tribunal. Companies operating in the online advertising space, particularly those interacting with Google's ad tech tools, should be aware that the Bureau's investigation and litigation are active. The final decision, including any penalties, will be determined by the Tribunal.

What to do next

Monitor the ongoing Competition Bureau litigation against Google regarding anti-competitive conduct in online advertising.
Review internal practices related to online advertising technology and market dominance to ensure compliance with competition law.

Penalties

Administrative monetary penalties may be imposed by the Competition Tribunal.

Source document (simplified)

Statement by Acting Commissioner of Competition: Competition Tribunal dismisses Google’s constitutional challenge

From: Competition Bureau Canada

News release

Acting Commissioner of Competition, Jeanne Pratt, issued a statement following the Competition Tribunal’s ruling to dismiss Google’s constitutional challenge.

Competition Bureau’s abuse of dominance litigation against Google continues

March 4, 2026 – GATINEAU (Québec), Competition Bureau

Acting Commissioner of Competition, Jeanne Pratt, issued a statement following the Competition Tribunal’s ruling to dismiss Google’s constitutional challenge.

“We welcome the Competition Tribunal’s decision on this matter, which dismissed Google’s allegation that a constitutional right was breached. The Tribunal’s decision reinforces its clear authority to order administrative monetary penalties to promote compliance and deter anti-competitive behaviour.

“Our case against Google continues. We continue to stand by our investigative findings that, through its anti-competitive conduct, Google has been able to entrench its dominance, prevent rivals from competing, inhibit innovation, inflate advertising costs and reduce publishers’ revenues. The final decision in this matter, including any penalties, rests with the Competition Tribunal.”

Quick facts

In November 2024, the Bureau filed an application to sue Google for anti-competitive conduct in online advertising in Canada. Our investigation found that Google abused its dominant position as the largest provider of ad tech tools across the Canadian supply chain.
On February 14, 2025, Google filed their notice of constitutional question with the Competition Tribunal.
On June 4, 2025, the Bureau filed its notice of motion to strike the constitutional question with the Competition Tribunal.

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Contacts

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Email: media-cb-bc@cb-bc.gc.ca

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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.