Businesses planning mergers or acquisitions in Canada are operating in a more difficult regulatory environment — and the Competition Bureau’s draft Merger Enforcement Guidelines leave a central question about the merger efficiency defence in Canada unresolved. Senior counsel John F. Rook, KC has co-authored an Intelligence Memo for the C.D. Howe Institute examining what the Competition Bureau’s draft Merger Enforcement Guidelines (MEGs) say about efficiency — and what they leave unanswered. Co-authored with economist Larry Schwartz, a past member of the Competition Tribunal, the memo was published on March 25, 2026. What the Draft MEGs Say About the Merger Efficiency ... [more] Full article
The Competition Tribunal denied leave for a public interest applicant to commence a private proceeding against Google and Apple regarding Google’s dominance in search in Martin v. Alphabet. In this ... [more] Full article
Well, that didn’t last long. Just months after the Competition Act was amended to require businesses to substantiate environmental claims with “adequate and proper testing,” the Federal government has proposed ... [more] Full article
Google and Apple are the targets of the first ever private claim for compensation before the Competition Tribunal, in a proposed application that raises allegations of abuse of dominance under ... [more] Full article
Michael Binetti*, Managing Partner of Affleck Greene McMurtry LLP, brings a wealth of litigation experience, with extensive expertise in both trials and appeals. Known for his strategic legal acumen, Michael has consistently demonstrated his ability to navigate complex cases and deliver successful outcomes across a wide range of litigation areas. Peers and clients alike praise Michael as an “excellent and creative lawyer” who “finds unique solutions to complex problems” and “knows how to win.” Recognized for his dedication and professionalism, he is described as a “strong advocate who always looks out for the best interests of his clients” and provides “timely, honest, and extremely valuable counsel.” Michael’s reputation for excellence is underscored by his inclusion in ranking services such as Best Lawyers, Lexology, and Lexpert.
John F. Rook, KC, is a senior Canadian litigation lawyer with over 50 years of experience in competition law, commercial disputes, and administrative law. He is recognized as a leading competition litigator and has appeared before Canada’s Supreme Court and key tribunals.
David is a determined and committed advocate for his clients. David has extensive courtroom experience, having successfully appeared as lead counsel in trials, hearings, motions, and appeals. David is also a skillful negotiator, having successfully negotiated the resolution of numerous cases. David is ranked as a leading practitioner in competition law by both Lexpert and Who’s Who Legal, and has been recognized by Best Lawyers for his expertise in corporate and commercial litigation, and competition law. David is also rated as AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell (the highest rating possible), with his peers at competitor law firms noting that David is an “excellent lawyer and advocate”, he is “diligent and creative in his approach”, and “is capable of taking charge in the largest commercial and insurance claims”. David has a broad practice in commercial litigation, insurance law, and competition law.
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