Latest news with #CompetitionBureau
Vancouver Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Harvey: More airline competition won't solve Canada's aviation challenges
Geraint Harvey , Western University A recent market study by the Competition Bureau calls for more airline competition in Canada's airline industry to reduce fares, increase service quality and provide better services to remote communities. The study reiterates that Canada's domestic air travel market is largely dominated by just two carriers, Air Canada and WestJet. Together, they account for between 56 per cent to 78 per cent of all domestic passenger traffic. This concentration limits passenger choice, and many Canadians feel airfares are high and quality of service is low as a consequence. Increased competition has lowered air fares elsewhere, like in Europe, for example, where low-fares airlines dominate the continental market . However, there have been negative outcomes for consumers. While the bureau positions competition as the solution to the many issues plaguing the industry, it overlooks how an increase in competition can fall short, particularly when it comes to transparency, service quality, labour conditions and regional connectivity. One of the Competition Bureau's key criticisms of Canada's airline industry is the lack of cost transparency when booking flights. Hidden fees and complex fare structures make it difficult for travellers to effectively make comparisons among airlines. But it's unreasonable to expect increased competition — when airlines seek to make their offering more attractive than their competitors — to lead to greater transparency in Canada. In fact, competition has been linked theoretically and empirically to dishonest practices . Europe provides a cautionary example. Increased competition has not led to greater air fare transparency. Airlines like Ryanair, a low-fare airline and the continent's largest airline by passengers carried, have been accused of hiding fees for passengers . The bureau's study also found that many Canadians are dissatisfied with the quality of service offered by domestic airlines. Yet increased competition is unlikely to raise service standards. As airlines compete to offer the lowest fares, they often look to reduce operating costs, typically at the expense of service quality. Those who suffer the most from airlines minimizing costs are employees, because labour represents one of the few areas where airlines can cut back . The morality and safety implications of introducing wage and employment insecurity to workers within high reliability organizations aside, reducing the quality of employment terms and conditions for workers in such an important industry is short-sighted. Claims of a pilot shortage are contested , and making employment in Canadian aviation less attractive for a highly skilled and crucial occupational group like pilots is a strategic faux pas that could have long-term consequences for the industry's stability. Canada's unique geography means that many remote regions rely on airlines for goods and transport. Yet these areas are not effectively served by the commercial aviation industry. The bureau suggests greater competition could help, but that claim is questionable. The reason existing airlines are not providing a greater number of flights between remote communities and larger airports is because these routes aren't profitable. Rather than expanding service, a more competitive market could shrink route availability because airlines could abandon less profitable routes or refuse to compete on routes where a market leader emerges. To its credit, the bureau offers several recommendations for northern and remote communities. But these communities are unlikely to benefit from competition alone. In fact, increased competition would likely mean airlines will focus on profitable routes and remove those that don't yield high profits. Europe's airline industry is once again instructive. Eurocontrol, a pan-European organization dedicated to the success of commercial aviation, states that 'domestic aviation in Europe has experienced a substantial and persistent decline over the past two decades,' including the demise of regional operators serving lower-density routes. Where routes have been maintained — in Norway, for example — it's as a consequence of public service obligations that guarantee essential routes are maintained through government support. It's because of public service obligations, not competition, that the Canadian government can serve remote communities. Without such safeguards, increased competition has the potential to do more harm than good. The bureau also recommended relaxing rules around foreign ownership within the Canadian airline industry so that a wholly foreign owned airline can compete domestically. But not all airlines are equal. Some, like Qatar Airways , are backed by the government of their home state. Qatar Airways has purchased stakes in airlines in Asia Pacific and Africa. Competition with airlines such as Qatar Airways is inherently unfair because of the huge financial support it receives. Allowing such state-backed carriers into the Canadian market could place domestic airlines at a significant competitive disadvantage. This could not only weaken Canadian airlines, but also be detrimental to the Canadian economy if domestic carriers are pushed out. Competition may reduce fares, but it always comes at a cost. Canadians must be certain that lower fares are worth the cost. Geraint Harvey , DANCAP Private Equity Chair in Human Organization, Western University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article .
Hamilton Spectator
28-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Toronto votes down fossil fuel ad ban despite strong push from advocates
Toronto City council rejects a motion that would have banned fossil fuel advertising on all city-owned property, ending a year-long campaign led by Coun. Dianne Saxe and advocates to align municipal advertising policy with Toronto's climate goals. The motion was defeated late Thursday night in a decisive 19–2 vote , with council choosing a weaker approach focused on public education and greenwashing guidelines instead. Saxe told Canada's National Observer she was 'disappointed' by the result. She said given the urgency of the climate crisis and the risks of misleading fossil fuel ads, it's not in the public interest for the City to allow such advertising. 'It is contrary to the best interests of the people of Toronto for the City or its agencies and corporations to display fossil fuel advocacy advertising inconsistent with TransformTO on city assets, especially if the claims in such advertising have not been substantiated.' Saxe first brought forward the proposal in fall 2024, in response to public outcry over fossil fuel advocacy ads appearing on public transit . City council directed staff to develop a policy that would decline fossil fuel ads unless they were consistent with TransformTO (the city's net-zero target for 2040) and met strict advertising standards under the Competition Act. But the staff report fell far short of that level of ambition. Instead of developing policy analysis proposing a ban, it recommended only that advertisers be required to sign a greenwashing declaration and the city incorporate more climate messaging into its own campaigns. City staff said they needed more time to do that work, and the few months since the motion passed were not enough to complete a full legal and policy review. Saxe said the motion council passed last year gave staff two clear tasks: to review greenwashing and, more importantly, to examine whether the city should accept fossil fuel advertising. 'The staff completely ducked that,' she said. 'They did one poorly and didn't do the other at all. They didn't follow the direction the council gave them.' In the final debate last night , Saxe tried to send the report back and asked staff to develop a full fossil fuel advertising ban policy, but the majority of councillors voted against it. A city spokesperson said fossil fuel advocacy ads will now follow the new policy outlined in the staff report. Councillor James Pasternak opposed the motion, arguing determining false or misleading advertising is a complex legal issue that falls under federal jurisdiction. He said the city should not take on work that is better handled by the Competition Bureau. 'If people have complaints, let them go to the feds and file them there if they don't like the advertising,' he said The report noted the financial impact of restricting fossil fuel advocacy advertising would be minimal, as such ads make up a very small portion of the city's overall advertising revenue — a share expected to shrink further with new federal greenwashing rules. Last year, Toronto became the first city in Canada to take action against fossil fuel greenwashing when its public transit agency voted to ban misleading fossil fuel ads from its vehicles and properties. The motion was led by Saxe, who also sits on the agency board . Montreal quickly followed , with its transit agency STM and bike-share program Bixi removing similar ads over greenwashing concerns. Globally, The Hague became the first city in the world to pass a local law banning fossil fuel and high-carbon service ads, including for cruise ships and air travel. Dutch courts upheld the ban, citing public health and environmental interests. More than 45 cities globally — including Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and Sydney — have since taken similar steps. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres also called for a global ban on fossil fuel advertising. Environmental and public health groups voiced frustration with Toronto council's decision and the city staff report. The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) submitted a petition with more than 1,100 signatures calling for a full ban. Anne Keary, Ontario coordinator for CAPE, said the city's focus on greenwashing was too narrow. 'Fossil fuels are the primary driver of climate change, and the cause of extreme heat and worsening air quality that's already harming Torontonians — especially the most vulnerable,' she said. Keary said the staff recommendations fell short by ignoring the fossil fuel industry's broader promotion tactics. She warned that even if greenwashing is curbed, companies will simply shift strategies — such as framing fossil fuels as essential for affordability — while continuing to drive up costs and cause serious harm to health and the environment. 'We banned tobacco ads because of health harms,' Keary told Canada's National Observer. 'It's time to do the same for fossil fuels, which are the greatest threat to human health today.' Toronto has faced record-breaking heat, flooding, and wildfire smoke this summer — events linked to climate change. The city's Board of Health approved a plan early this month to track related health impacts, including heat-related illness, poor air quality and disease from ticks and mosquitoes. Lyn Adamson, co-chair of ClimateFast, said the City of Toronto needs to send a consistent message if it's serious about meeting its climate targets. She said allowing fossil fuel advertising on city property undercuts efforts to cut emissions and undermines public education about the urgency of the climate crisis. She said the city council must align its advertising policy with its climate and public health goals. Under council rules, the issue cannot be brought back for reconsideration for at least a year. With the 2026 municipal election on the horizon, it's unclear when — or if — Toronto will revisit the idea of banning fossil fuel ads on city property. 'I'll keep pushing,' Saxe said. 'But as this vote showed, unless the mayor supports it, it's very hard to get it done.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? 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National Observer
25-07-2025
- Business
- National Observer
Toronto votes down fossil fuel ad ban despite strong push from advocates
Toronto City council rejects a motion that would have banned fossil fuel advertising on all city-owned property, ending a year-long campaign led by Coun. Dianne Saxe and advocates to align municipal advertising policy with Toronto's climate goals. The motion was defeated late Thursday night in a decisive 19–2 vote, with council choosing a weaker approach focused on public education and greenwashing guidelines instead. Saxe told Canada's National Observer she was 'disappointed' by the result. She said given the urgency of the climate crisis and the risks of misleading fossil fuel ads, it's not in the public interest for the City to allow such advertising. 'It is contrary to the best interests of the people of Toronto for the City or its agencies and corporations to display fossil fuel advocacy advertising inconsistent with TransformTO on city assets, especially if the claims in such advertising have not been substantiated.' Saxe first brought forward the proposal in fall 2024, in response to public outcry over fossil fuel advocacy ads appearing on public transit. City council directed staff to develop a policy that would decline fossil fuel ads unless they were consistent with TransformTO (the city's net-zero target for 2040) and met strict advertising standards under the Competition Act. But the staff report fell far short of that level of ambition. Instead of developing policy analysis proposing a ban, it recommended only that advertisers be required to sign a greenwashing declaration and the city incorporate more climate messaging into its own campaigns. City staff said they needed more time to do that work, and the few months since the motion passed were not enough to complete a full legal and policy review. The motion was defeated late Thursday night in a decisive 19–2 vote, with council choosing a weaker approach focused on public education and greenwashing guidelines instead. Saxe said the motion council passed last year gave staff two clear tasks: to review greenwashing and, more importantly, to examine whether the city should accept fossil fuel advertising. 'The staff completely ducked that,' she said. 'They did one poorly and didn't do the other at all. They didn't follow the direction the council gave them.' In the final debate last night, Saxe tried to send the report back and asked staff to develop a full fossil fuel advertising ban policy, but the majority of councillors voted against it. A city spokesperson said fossil fuel advocacy ads will now follow the new policy outlined in the staff report. Councillor James Pasternak opposed the motion, arguing determining false or misleading advertising is a complex legal issue that falls under federal jurisdiction. He said the city should not take on work that is better handled by the Competition Bureau. 'If people have complaints, let them go to the feds and file them there if they don't like the advertising,' he said The report noted the financial impact of restricting fossil fuel advocacy advertising would be minimal, as such ads make up a very small portion of the city's overall advertising revenue — a share expected to shrink further with new federal greenwashing rules. Cities in Canada and abroad curb fossil fuel ads Last year, Toronto became the first city in Canada to take action against fossil fuel greenwashing when its public transit agency voted to ban misleading fossil fuel ads from its vehicles and properties. The motion was led by Saxe, who also sits on the agency board. Montreal quickly followed, with its transit agency STM and bike-share program Bixi removing similar ads over greenwashing concerns. Globally, The Hague became the first city in the world to pass a local law banning fossil fuel and high-carbon service ads, including for cruise ships and air travel. Dutch courts upheld the ban, citing public health and environmental interests. More than 45 cities globally — including Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and Sydney — have since taken similar steps. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres also called for a global ban on fossil fuel advertising. Health and climate advocates express disappointment Environmental and public health groups voiced frustration with Toronto council's decision and the city staff report. The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) submitted a petition with more than 1,100 signatures calling for a full ban. Anne Keary, Ontario coordinator for CAPE, said the city's focus on greenwashing was too narrow. 'Fossil fuels are the primary driver of climate change, and the cause of extreme heat and worsening air quality that's already harming Torontonians — especially the most vulnerable,' she said. Keary said the staff recommendations fell short by ignoring the fossil fuel industry's broader promotion tactics. She warned that even if greenwashing is curbed, companies will simply shift strategies — such as framing fossil fuels as essential for affordability — while continuing to drive up costs and cause serious harm to health and the environment. 'We banned tobacco ads because of health harms,' Keary told Canada's National Observer. 'It's time to do the same for fossil fuels, which are the greatest threat to human health today.' Toronto has faced record-breaking heat, flooding, and wildfire smoke this summer — events linked to climate change. The city's Board of Health approved a plan early this month to track related health impacts, including heat-related illness, poor air quality and disease from ticks and mosquitoes. Lyn Adamson, co-chair of ClimateFast, said the City of Toronto needs to send a consistent message if it's serious about meeting its climate targets. She said allowing fossil fuel advertising on city property undercuts efforts to cut emissions and undermines public education about the urgency of the climate crisis. She said the city council must align its advertising policy with its climate and public health goals. Under council rules, the issue cannot be brought back for reconsideration for at least a year. With the 2026 municipal election on the horizon, it's unclear when — or if — Toronto will revisit the idea of banning fossil fuel ads on city property. 'I'll keep pushing,' Saxe said. 'But as this vote showed, unless the mayor supports it, it's very hard to get it done.'
CTV News
15-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Competition Bureau drops inquiry into American attraction dominance in Banff and Jasper
Canada's Competition Bureau has dropped its probe into an American company's dominance of the Banff and Jasper sightseeing industries. Last summer, operators at Norquay, Lake Louise and Banff Sunshine filed a complaint against Arizona-based Viad Corp. At the time, they accused Viad and its subsidiary Pursuit of monopolistic practices after acquiring the Jasper SkyTram. The purchase brought the company's share of the area's so-called 'prime paid' tourist attractions to six of nine: it also operates the Banff Gondola at Sulphur Mountain, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, the Columbia Icefield Adventure, the Lake Minnewanka Cruise and Jasper's Maligne Lake Cruise. Further, Viad owns the bus line Brewster Express—which transports thousands of tourists every day throughout the two national parks and their main sights—and 10 local hotels, including Banff's Mount Royal and Elk and Avenue. After the SkyTram purchase, competitors told CTV News Viad should be forced to sell off assets to increase consumer choice in the area. But this spring, the Competition Bureau of Canada sent Norquay Ski and Sightseeing Resort's Adam Waterous a note saying its investigation had come back clear. 'Based on the information obtained by the Bureau,' the letter reads, 'it does not appear the acquisition has resulted in or is likely to result in a substantial lessening or prevention of competition.' 'The commissioner has discontinued the inquiry.'
11-07-2025
- Business
Got a weird text message? 'Smishing' scams likely rising because of AI, experts warn
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says so-called smishing attempts appear to be on the rise, thanks in part to new technologies that allow for co-ordinated bulk attacks. Smishing is more than likely increasing with help from artificial intelligence tools that can craft convincing messages or scour data from security breaches to uncover new targets, according to the centre's spokesperson, Jeff Horncastle. Though the centre has actually received fewer fraud reports in the first six months of 2025, Horncastle says that can be misleading because so few people actually alert the centre to incidents. The warning comes days after the Competition Bureau sent an alert about the tactic because, it says, many people are seeing more suspicious text messages. Smishing is a sort of portmanteau of SMS and phishing, in which a text message is used to try to get the target to click on a link and provide personal information. The ruse comes in many forms but often involves a message that purports to come from a real organization or business urging immediate action to address an alleged problem. WATCH | RBC customer on the hook for $14K after bank investigator scam: Début du widget Widget. Passer le widget ? Fin du widget Widget. Retourner au début du widget ? It could be about an undeliverable package, a suspended bank account or news of a tax refund. Horncastle says it differs from more involved scams such as a text invitation to call a supposed job recruiter, who then tries to extract personal or financial information by phone. Nevertheless, he says a text scam might be quite sophisticated since today's fraudsters can use artificial intelligence to scan data leaks for personal details that bolster the hoax, or use AI writing tools to help write convincing text messages. In the past, part of our messaging was always: watch for spelling mistakes. It's not always the case now, he said. Now, this message could be coming from another country where English may not be the first language but because the technology is available, there may not be spelling mistakes like there were a couple of years ago. The Competition Bureau warns against clicking on suspicious links and forwarding texts to 7726 (SPAM), so that the cellular provider can investigate further. It also encourages people to delete smishing messages, block the number and ignore texts even if they ask to reply with STOP or NO. Horncastle says the centre received 886 reports of smishing in the first six months of 2025, up to June 30. That's trending downward from 2,546 reports in 2024, which was a drop from 3,874 in 2023. That too, was a drop in reports from 7,380 in 2022. But those numbers don't quite tell the story, he says. We get a very small percentage of what's actually out there. And specifically when we're looking at phishing or smishing, the reporting rate is very low. So generally we say that we estimate that only five to 10 per cent of victims report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Horncastle says it's hard to say for sure how new technology is being used, but he notes AI is a frequent tool for all sorts of nefarious schemes such as manipulated photos, video and audio. It's more than likely increasing due to different types of technology that's available for fraudsters, Horncastle says of smishing attempts. WATCH | Scammer's paradise: How AI chatbots make money: Début du widget Widget. Passer le widget ? Fin du widget Widget. Retourner au début du widget ? So we would discuss AI a lot where fraudsters now have that tool available to them. It's just reality, right? Where they can craft phishing messages and send them out in bulk through automation through these highly sophisticated platforms that are available. The Competition Bureau's deceptive marketing practices directorate says an informed public is the best protection against smishing. The bureau is constantly assessing the marketplace and through our intelligence capabilities is able to know when scams are on the rise and having an immediate impact on society, said deputy commissioner Josephine Palumbo. That's where these alerts come in really, really handy. She adds that it's difficult to track down fraudsters who sometimes use prepaid SIM cards to shield their identity when targeting victims. Since SIM cards lack identification verification, enforcement agencies like the Competition Bureau have a hard time in actually tracking these perpetrators down, Palumbo said. Fraudsters can also spoof phone numbers, making it seem like a text has originated with a legitimate agency such as the Canada Revenue Agency, Horncastle adds. They might choose a number that they want to show up randomly or if they're claiming to be a financial institution, they may make that financial institutions' number show up on the call display, he said. We've seen [that] with the CRA and even the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, where fraudsters have made our phone numbers show up on victims' call display.
