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 the Bureau's current practices and the recent modernization of Canada’s competition laws. The guidelines are designed to assist businesses in navigating the complexities of the modern economy and the increasing influence of digital technologies.

Canadians are encouraged to submit their comments on any aspect of the proposed guidelines by February 11, 2026. All submissions will be published on the Bureau's website unless confidentiality is requested. The final guidelines will be released following this consultation.

Effective merger control is crucial for ensuring that Canadians benefit from a competitive marketplace. The Bureau emphasizes that anti-competitive mergers can lead to negative economic consequences, such as higher prices, reduced choices, and diminished innovation.

In addition to the merger guidelines, the Bureau is also seeking feedback on new Anti-Competitive Conduct and Agreements Enforcement Guidelines, with a deadline of January 29, 2026. Recent significant changes to the Competition Act have been made to address loopholes and enhance the Bureau's ability to prevent harmful mergers.