34 h. ago Amazon faces scrutiny as Canada’s competition watchdog deepens probe

Canada’s competition watchdog secured a court order to help its investigation into whether Amazon.com Inc. is abusing its dominant retail position in the market. The order requires Amazon to produce records relevant to the watchdog’s probe, which started in 2020 and concerns Amazon’s Marketplace fair pricing policy. The Competition Bureau is investigating whether the policy […]

Other

34 h. ago Competition Bureau to probe whether Amazon’s rules are unfair to sellers and consumers

Rules allow Amazon to punish sellers if they take certain actions

Economics

35 h. ago Competition Bureau gets court order for Amazon pricing probe

The regulator says the investigation focuses on a potential abuse of dominance and is distinct from its investigation into Amazon’s marketing practices.

Other

8 d. ago The Real Brokerage Acquires Flyhomes’ Consumer Home Search Technology to Advance AI

Real takes a major step toward its mission of simplifying life’s most complex transaction for agents and their clients MIAMI — The Real Brokerage Inc. (NASDAQ: REAX), a technology platform reshaping real estate for agents, home buyers and sellers, today announced its acquisition of the AI-powered consumer home search portal and related technology assets of […]

Transport

1 week ago Competition Bureau warns Canadian landlords and property managers about illegal discussions on rents

Some may be engaging with competitors on issues such as rental prices, lease terms and availability through social media, Bureau says

Other

2 w. ago CUPE Calls on MPs to Reject Dangerous Airline Deregulation Plan

OTTAWA, Ontario — CUPE is urging Members of Parliament to reject the Competition Bureau’s latest report on airline competition, warning it poses serious risks to Canadian jobs, public safety, and national sovereignty. The report calls for increased foreign ownership of Canadian airlines and the elimination of anti-cabotage rules to allow foreign carriers to operate domestic […]

Events

2 w. ago Loblaws agrees to change 'anticompetitive conduct' and it could lower grocery prices

Loblaws has committed to ending property controls in Canada, a move that the country's competition watchdog says is in favour of shoppers.The Competition Bureau announced that it's monitoring the grocery giant's recent pledge to eliminate property controls, or what it calls "anticompetitive restrictions on the use of real estate."This is the result of an investigation into the alleged "anticompetitive conduct" by Loblaws and Sobeys that began last March. The government agency ordered the grocers to surrender records about real estate holdings, lease agreements, customer data and other related documents.Last August, the regulator announced that businesses taking advantage of property controls in commercial real estate could be fined.What are property controls, and how do they affect grocery shoppers?There are two types of property controls: exclusivity clauses and restrictive covenants.Generally found in commercial leases,...

Economics

2 w. ago Watchdog recommends up to 100% foreign airline ownership amid low competition

Canada should allow up to 100 per cent foreign ownership of domestic-only airlines, the Competition Bureau says in a new report highlighting the country’s “highly concentrated” aviation industry. In a market study released Thursday, the watchdog suggested a new class of airline that operates only in Canada but could have owners from outside its borders, […]

Other

2 w. ago Want to fix Canada’s air industry? More foreign owners needed: watchdog

Canada's Competition Bureau recommended the federal government allow up to 100 per cent foreign ownership of domestic-only airlines to spur competition.

Other

3 w. ago Mali judge orders Barrick Gold placed under provisional administration

The Canadian company has been in conflict with Mali's military rulers over alleged unpaid taxes and unfair contracts

Politics

3 w. ago Delivery services under legal scrutiny for alleged ‘drip pricing’

DoorDash is facing legal action from the Competition Bureau while a proposed class-action has been filed against Uber Eats

Other

3 w. ago Canada wants people to weigh in on practice of 'algorithmic pricing'

The Competition Bureau is seeking feedback from Canadians when it comes to algorithmic pricing.The agency has published a new paper, Algorithmic Pricing and Competition, from which it seeks public consultation. As the bureau notes, various sectors, including hospitality, concerts and ridesharing, are turning to algorithms to help set prices for products and services.The paper defines algorithmic pricing as "using automated algorithms to set or recommend prices for products or services, often in real time, based on a set of data inputs." It goes on to warn that algorithmic pricing could help and hurt competition, such as by making it easier for consumers to switch companies or limiting consumer choice by consolidating market power.Therefore, the bureau wants those with "experience with algorithmic pricing and its potential impacts on competition" to help provide guidance on how to better respond. Specifically, the bureau says it wants to highlight the following ke...

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