Bill S-239 — Law to Update Rules for Fair Business
Fair Business Rules Update
This proposed law wants to change the rules for businesses in Canada. It focuses on how companies compete with each other. Right now, there are laws to make sure businesses are fair. This proposed law would change those existing laws. It would likely give the government more power to stop companies from doing things that hurt competition. This proposed law affects all businesses in Canada, big and small. It also affects consumers, because fair competition can lead to lower prices and better products. If companies can't compete fairly, it can hurt the economy. It could also make it harder for new businesses to start up. This proposed law matters because it could change how businesses operate. It could also change how much things cost and what products are available. By changing the rules of competition, the government hopes to make the Canadian economy stronger and fairer for everyone.
Where this proposed law falls on the policy spectrums that Canadians care about
Set your 3 priorities to see how this bill aligns with what you care about.
Sign up free — 30 secThis proposed law helps identify rules that make it harder to do business across Canada by letting the Competition Commissioner point out these problems. It also makes federal governments publicly explain their stance on these issues. However, it doesn't force any government to actually change the rules, meaning the problems might not get fixed.
Things to Watch For
- The law does not require governments to actually fix the problems identified.
- Provincial governments and municipalities are not required to respond to the recommendations, only federal ones.
- There are no clear consequences if a government ignores a recommendation or provides an unhelpful response.
- Smaller local governments or Indigenous groups might struggle to meet the response deadlines.
- The law does not outline any next steps if a barrier to trade remains after a recommendation is made.
Click any step to learn what it means
Loading...
Click any step to learn what it means
Loading...
How likely this proposed law is to be approved
This proposed law is still in the early stages, having only passed first reading in the Senate. Also, it was proposed by a senator, not the government, which makes passage less likely.
Sign in to join the discussion.
Loading comments...