OTTAWA – The Competition Bureau has confirmed to Cartt.ca that it is looking into alleged anti-competitive clauses that Apple Canada Inc. uses in its contracts with wireless carriers for the supply of iPhones.
“At this time, the Bureau's inquiry is ongoing and no decision has been made in terms of enforcement action”, reads an emailed response to Cartt.ca from the Bureau’s senior communications advisor Greg Scott.
Scott also confirmed that, on December 9, the Bureau filed an application with the Federal Court for an order under section 11 of the Competition Act requiring Apple Canada Inc. to provide records and written returns of information relevant to the investigation to the Bureau.
Scott added that section 11 of the Competition Act is one of several tools that give the Bureau “the ability to gather necessary information required to perform thorough investigations and to take effective enforcement action when warranted”. Court orders granted under section 11 may require attendance and examination of witnesses; the production of records; and/or the provision of written information.
“It is important to note that there is no conclusion of wrongdoing by Apple Canada Inc. at this time, and no application has been filed with the Competition Tribunal or any other court to seek remedies for any alleged anti-competitive conduct”, Scott continued. “As always, should evidence indicate that the Competition Act has been contravened, the Commissioner will take appropriate action.”
