Competition Bureau Canada

Annual Plan: Competition Priorities for Affordability and Choice

The Competition Bureau Canada released its 2026-2027 Annual Plan outlining enforcement priorities focused on anti-competitive conduct, mergers affecting essential household costs (food and housing), and deceptive marketing practices. The plan signals increased scrutiny of hidden costs and barriers to competition, particularly in sectors impacting Canadian household affordability.

Merger Review Filing Fee Adjustment

The Competition Bureau Canada has announced an adjustment to its merger review filing fee, increasing it from $88,690.45 to $90,198.19, effective April 1, 2026. This annual adjustment is in accordance with the Service Fees Act and supports the Bureau's merger review mandate.

Competition Bureau Agreement with Welltower on Retirement Homes

The Competition Bureau has reached a consent agreement with Welltower OP LLC regarding its proposed acquisition of 34 retirement home properties from Amica Senior Lifestyles. To resolve competition concerns in British Columbia and Ontario, Welltower will sell four existing retirement homes.

Competition Bureau Recommends Easing Food Hub Regulatory Barriers

The Competition Bureau Canada has published a report recommending the removal of regulatory barriers for shared kitchens and food hubs. The report suggests harmonizing food safety rules, standardizing inspections, and using these facilities for regulatory innovation to help small food producers compete.

Competition Bureau Reaches Agreement with Chartwell

The Competition Bureau has reached a consent agreement with Chartwell Master Care LP to address competition concerns regarding its proposed acquisition of six retirement homes. Chartwell has agreed to sell one retirement home to preserve competition in the Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario area.

Competition Tribunal Dismisses Google's Constitutional Challenge

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.

Canada Pre-Merger Notification Threshold Remains $93M for 2026

The Canadian Minister of Industry has decided to keep the pre-merger notification threshold at $93 million for 2026. This means transactions where the acquired company's Canadian assets or revenues exceed $93 million will continue to require advance notice to the Competition Bureau, provided the combined parties' assets or revenues exceed $400 million.

Competition Bureau Expands Real Estate Commission Rules Investigation

The Competition Bureau has expanded its investigation into real estate commission rules to include Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), seeking a court order to gather information. The probe examines whether GVR and the Canadian Real Estate Association's commission rules violate the Competition Act by potentially discouraging competition or leading to higher costs for buyers and sellers.

Competition Bureau Guidance on Promotional Contest Transparency

The Competition Bureau of Canada has issued guidance reminding businesses and influencers that promotional contests must provide honest and transparent information to consumers. Key details such as prize value, regional allocation, purchase requirements, and winner selection methods must be clearly disclosed.

Canada Merger Review Process and Guidelines

The Competition Bureau of Canada has updated its guidance and information related to the merger review process. The page provides details on the Bureau's authority to review mergers, links to key documents such as the Merger Enforcement Guidelines, and information on concluded merger reviews.