The Competition Bureau of Canada has announced a public consultation inviting Canadians to provide feedback on its Proposed Merger Enforcement Guidelines. This initiative follows an initial consultation held in November 2024 as part of the Bureau's ongoing review of its merger guidance.

The proposed guidelines aim to update the existing framework established in 2011, reflecting recent changes in Canada’s competition laws and adapting to the modern economy, particularly the impact of digital technologies. The Bureau emphasizes that effective merger control is crucial for ensuring a competitive marketplace, which benefits consumers through lower prices, more choices, and increased innovation.

Interested parties can submit their comments via email until February 11, 2026. The Bureau will publish all submissions on its website unless confidentiality is requested. After the consultation period, the Bureau plans to release the final guidelines.

Significant changes to the Competition Act have been made recently, including amendments to merger notification requirements and the removal of the efficiency defense in merger reviews. These changes are designed to enhance the Bureau's ability to prevent anti-competitive mergers and include a rebuttable presumption that a merger is anti-competitive if it significantly increases market concentration.