Auto Parts Cartel Final Tally: 13 Guilty Pleas and $86 Million in Fines
Canada’s Competition Bureau ended its investigation into criminal big-rigging in the auto parts sector with a guilty plea from Japanese auto parts manufacturer INOAC. INOAC pleaded guilty under the Criminal Code to one count of conspiracy to engage in bid-rigging and was ordered to pay fines and surcharges of $1.3 million. With its competitors, INOAC conspired to allocate bids issued by Toyota in 2004 for the supply of plastic interior car parts used in Toyota Corollas manufactured and sold in Canada. The Bureau began its investigation in 2009 after it learned of illegal activity in the auto parts industry through its Immunity Program, which ... [more] Full article
The Private Competition Enforcement Review, 11th Edition
Affleck Greene McMurtry lawyers David Vaillancourt, Michael Binetti, and Fiona Campbell were co-authors of the Canada Chapter of the 11th edition of The Private Competition Enforcement Review.” [more] Full article
WTO Rules Against Canada in Bombardier Dispute
The WTO has recently ruled against Canada in a dispute started by Brazil, which alleges that Bombardier Inc.’s C-Series aircrafts are receiving unfair subsidies from the Canadian government. According to ... [more] Full article
Class Action Against The Beer Store Dismissed
The Ontario Superior Court of Justice dismissed a $1.4 billion class action against The Beer Store, a chain of stores owned by 30 Ontario-based brewers. The lawsuit alleged that as a ... [more] Full article
Developments Contributors
Michael Binetti
Michael Binetti, a partner of the firm, brings a proven litigation background plus extensive experience in arguing both trials and appeals. He has demonstrated his strategic legal capability and expertise in wide-ranging areas of litigation. Michael’s peers and clients have commented that Michael is an “excellent and creative lawyer,” “finds unique solutions to complex problems,” and that “Michael gets it and knows how to win.”
Kenneth A. Dekker
Kenneth Dekker, a partner of the firm, is a successful trial and appellate lawyer who is valued by his clients as a resourceful and practical litigation counsel. Over more than two decades, Ken has litigated noteworthy cases in a range of fields that include class action defence, securities and broker-dealer litigation and regulatory defence, corporate and shareholder disputes (including oppression and winding up cases), defamation, civil fraud litigation, disputes over contracts, injunctions, professional liability litigation, employment litigation and cross-border litigation issues. Ken has appeared before all levels of courts in Ontario, including the Ontario Court of Justice, the Superior Court of Justice, the Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal for Ontario, as well as before the Supreme Court of Canada. Ken also represents and advises clients in regulatory matters before the Investment Industry Organization of Canada (IIROC), the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada (MFDA) and the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC). Ken has been ranked as Repeatedly Recommended for Securities Litigation by Lexpert, for Corporate and Commercial Litigation by Best Lawyers of Canada, and he has been given the highest available rating of AV, or pre-eminent, by his peers on Martindale-Hubbell.
Meredith Hayward
Meredith has earned an impressive reputation for her skill and abilities in Commercial Litigation and Administrative Law, appearing at all levels of court in Ontario, before the British Columbia Court of Appeal, and before the Supreme Court of Canada.
Masiel A. Matus
Masiel has a broad commercial litigation practice and represents both national and international clients in a variety of complex matters. Masiel has experience litigating cases involving professional negligence, commercial leasing and real property disputes, insurance, contract disputes, shareholder disputes, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of trust, employment matters and defamation claims.
David N. Vaillancourt
David's practice expertise focuses on all matters of Commercial and Civil Litigation, Competition and Administrative Law. David has acted for clients in a wide range of disputes, including shareholder and partnership disputes, securities litigation, class action defence, proceedings under the Competition Act, employment law disputes, contract disputes, breach of confidence/intellectual property disputes, fidelity bond claims, and professional negligence claims. David has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario, including the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and has also appeared before the Competition Tribunal and the Federal Court of Appeal. David has appeared as lead counsel in numerous trials, hearings, and motions. David has been successful in numerous adversarial proceedings, and also has successfully negotiated the resolution of dozens of cases.
