Improving consumer trust in the digital economy - The Competition Bureau participates in the OECD's 2016 Ministerial Meeting

OTTAWA, June 22, 2016 /CNW/ - The Commissioner of Competition, John Pecman, participated today in a panel discussion on consumer trust and market growth in the digital economy at the Ministerial Meeting on the Digital Economy hosted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

During the panel, Commissioner Pecman addressed the impact of new business models on consumers and regulators. Representatives from Costa Rica, Germany, Spain, Portugal, the United States, Australia, eBay and Consumers International also participated.

Members of the panel noted that the rapid growth of the world-wide digital economy underlined the need for governments, businesses and consumers to collaborate to improve trust in e-commerce and provide consumers with the information they need to be smart digital shoppers.

The agenda for the ministerial meeting, being held in Cancun, Mexico, from June 21 to 23, covers various themes including internet openness, global connectivity, security, privacy as well as jobs and skills in the digital economy. OECD meetings enable governments to compare experiences, seek solutions to common problems and promote greater understanding of the forces behind economic, social and technological change.

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, is leading Canada's delegation and is a Vice Chair of the Ministerial meeting.  

Quick Facts

• Participation in international organizations such as the OECD strengthens the Bureau's ability to effectively administer and enforce the Competition Act, which benefits consumers and businesses alike.
• In addition to the OECD, the Bureau participates in a number of multilateral organizations, including the International Competition Network and the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network to address anti-competitive activity that crosses borders and to promote sound competition policies internationally.
• The recently revised OECD Recommendation on Consumer Protection in E-Commerce is an excellent example of international collaboration in the development guidance and best practices.

Quote

"The digital marketplace is continuously evolving and driven by the latest technological and business innovations. Competition policy and competition law enforcement must keep pace and create an economic and regulatory environment where innovation can thrive. The Competition Bureau's work with our international counterparts allows us to address these common challenges so that Canadian consumers and businesses can thrive in a competitive and innovative marketplace."

John Pecman, Commissioner of Competition

Associated Links

• Competition Bureau's International Efforts
• OECD Committee on Consumer Policy
• OECD Recommendation on Consumer Protection in E-Commerce

Enquiries/Complaints

Stay connected

The Competition Bureau, as an independent law enforcement agency, ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace.

SOURCE Competition Bureau

For media enquiries, please contact: Media Relations, Telephone: [phone], Email: [email protected]; For general enquiries, please contact: Information Centre, Competition Bureau, Telephone: [phone], Toll free: 1-800-348-5358, TTY (hearing impaired): 1-800-642-3844, www.competitionbureau.gc.ca