Why Is It Taking the Competition Bureau So Long to Rule on Amazon?

The Role of Amazon and the Competition Bureau in Canadian Competition

1. Introduction: Amazon’s Growing Influence

   • Amazon’s expansion into Canada has grown significantly, raising concerns about its impact on local competition. Despite efforts by the Competition Bureau, the regulator faces challenges in addressing Amazon’s practices.

2. Current Challenges: Weakness in Data Collection

   • The Competition Bureau has made agreements with Amazon but struggles to gather sufficient data due to digital infrastructure complexities.
   • Past investigations have highlighted issues like pricing strategies and digital market power, yet progress has been slow.

3. Opportunities for Action: Leveraging External Cases

   • Insights from international competitions could inform Canadian oversight, as Amazon’s practices in other regions harm consumers and small businesses.
   • The new Digital Enforcement and Intelligence Branch may provide necessary tools to enhance investigation capabilities.

4. Future Steps: Needed Reforms and Transparency

   • Proactive reforms are essential for the Competition Bureau to address Amazon effectively without relying solely on external data.
   • Enhanced transparency from the regulator would help citizens understand investigative progress, aligning with global practices.

This structured approach ensures clarity and highlights key areas where action is needed, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and proactive oversight in maintaining fair competition.