QUESTION PERIOD — Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Competition Act
April 28, 2026
Senator Moreau, the Competition Bureau’s January 2026 report raises serious concerns that AI‑driven pricing algorithms may facilitate anti-competitive conduct and unfair pricing for consumers. We are now seeing the emergence of both surveillance pricing, where companies use personal data to tailor prices to individuals, and algorithmic pricing, where AI systems adjust prices across entire markets in real time.
These systems can effectively coordinate price increases without any direct human communication or explicit agreement between competitors, creating what some experts call “collusion without communication,” and exposing potential gaps in Canada’s competition law.
With regulators in the U.S. already moving to address these practices, will the government amend the Competition Act to ensure that anti-competitive outcomes driven by AI systems can be investigated and addressed even where no explicit human agreement can be proven?
Thank you for the question. In its January report, the Competition Bureau was clear: A lack of data transparency can harm consumers and competition, just as you mentioned in your question. The government is actively reviewing algorithmic pricing and potential responses, including through competition, finance and privacy policies.
The government has increased the power of the Competition Bureau because competition is the best way to ensure that Canadians have access to stable prices at the checkout.
Thank you, Senator Moreau. My first question was about the “if.” My supplemental question is about the “when.”
Public concern is growing, and Canadians increasingly expect stronger protections in digital markets. Will the government recognize the urgency of this issue, and what concrete steps is it now taking to protect consumers in addition to those you just mentioned?
In addition to what I just mentioned, the government is also developing a National Food Security Strategy to strengthen domestic food production and improve access to affordable and nutritious food.
We know that food prices are a concern for consumers, and the government is working to address the issue on many fronts.
