Which penalties may be imposed under the Competition Act?

• A. Imprisonment and nothing else
• B. Criminal fines, civil administrative monetary penalties, imprisonment, private damages
• C. Tax penalties
• D. License suspensions only

Answer: (B)

Penalties under the Competition Act can take several forms, reflecting both criminal and civil enforcement. The Act allows for imprisonment and criminal fines when offences are proven in court, and it also provides for civil enforcement through administrative monetary penalties imposed by the Competition Tribunal for certain violations. In addition, private damages actions are available so harmed parties can seek compensation for losses caused by contraventions. Tax penalties fall under tax law, and license suspensions alone do not capture the full range of penalties the Act authorizes. Therefore, the penalties that may be imposed include criminal fines, civil administrative monetary penalties, imprisonment, and private damages.