The commissioner of competition's enforcement powers include?

• A. The power to obtain search warrants, injunctions and in some cases, wiretaps, and to interview employees under oath. In addition, they have the power to apply to the federal competition tribunal for orders (including orders for parties to stop conduct and/or pay civil penalties) and to refer criminal matters to the director of public prosecutions for criminal prosecution.
• B. The power to issue citations and fines without due process.
• C. The power to regulate real estate licenses.
• D. The power to approve mergers only in specific sectors.

Answer: (A)

The enforcement toolkit of the commissioner includes a mix of investigative powers, civil remedies, and criminal referrals. They can conduct investigations using search warrants and injunctions, and in some cases may obtain wiretap orders and interview employees under oath to gather evidence. They also pursue civil remedies by applying to the federal competition tribunal for orders to stop conduct and for civil penalties. When the conduct appears criminal, they can refer the matter to the director of public prosecutions for criminal prosecution. Other choices don’t fit because licensing real estate is handled by provincial regulators, mergers aren’t approved only in specific sectors, and fines cannot be issued without due process.