October 20, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON – Ryan Williams, Conservative Shadow Minister for Competition and Pan-Canadian Trade, released the following statement responding to the release of the government report Competition in Canada from 2000 to 2020: An Economy at a Crossroads:

"After 8 years of Justin Trudeau, competition in Canada has only gotten worse.

"The report delivered by the government states that competition has been obliterated under this Liberal-NDP government. Monopolies are not just more prevalent, but dominant. Fewer small businesses are entering the market to compete, and Canadians are dealing with higher prices as a result.

"This Liberal government’s incompetence and mismanagement has led to some of the highest prices in the world on everyday essentials.

"This incompetence is having a real impact on Canadian’s lives. Liberal failure has saddled Canadians with the highest interest rates in 22 years. Mortgage payments have doubled, rent has doubled and food prices have soared. Canadians cannot afford this government’s failed approach to competition, which raises prices on groceries, mobile services, internet service, airfares and banking fees even higher.

"The Commissioner of Competition makes it clear: 'Without the adoption of pro-competitive policies, Canada risks continuing down the road of declining competitive intensity. Taking action to increase competition will drive lower prices and make life more affordable for Canadians.'

"Conservatives will always stand up for more competition, because we know that more competition creates more innovation, allows more companies to compete, and that innovation and competition leads to lower prices and better service for consumers."