Emrys Davis comments in CBA National on how competition policy is facing the challenge of assuring that traditional policy tools do not prove a barrier to companies wanting to take climate-friendly actions—while at the same time protecting competitive markets.

Emrys says the sustainability discussion is just beginning in Canada, but predicts there will be more guidance from the Competition Bureau.

Davis says guidance from the Bureau would be helpful. Many companies want to do the right thing and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, for example. Investors are demanding it and companies know that enacting climate-action measures can also prove profitable. But companies remain leery of taking action that could be seen as anti-competitive.

“They want to know that they’re not violating the law,” Davis says.