Transat confirms visit from Bureau in Montreal
Jen Savedra

Sylvain-Jacques Desjardins

Transat has confirmed that employees of the Competition Bureau were “visiting” Transat offices in Montreal this morning. Sylvain-Jacques Desjardins, communications counsellor for Transat in Montreal confirmed the information but could not say whether Toronto offices were also involved.

Diane L’Ecuyer, assistant deputy for the competition Bureau for Quebec region, advised that the Competition Bureau cannot provide information on an ongoing case, but explained that typically such cases would involve the companies involved being engaged in “practices to reduce competition.”

In such cases, after a complaint, the bureau would develop and gather evidence and prepare information to be presented to a judge. In this particular instance warrants were obtained from the Superior Court of Quebec and were served on the wholesalers. Competition Bureau warrants issued in any one province are valid for all other provinces.

TravelHotNews.com is aware that a second Canadian Tour Operator is being “visited” by the Competition Bureau but has been unable to get confirmation from the wholesaler involved.

TravelHotNews.com was also told, but was unable to confirm, that Vancouver and Montreal offices are also being targeted.

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency responsible for the administration and enforcement of, among others, the Competition Act. Its role is to promote and maintain fair competition so that all Canadians can benefit from competitive prices, product choice and quality services. Headed by the Commissioner of Competition, the organization investigates anti-competitive practices and promotes compliance with the laws under its jurisdiction.