Quasi-competition
Quasi-competition has no recognized legal meaning in Canada. The nearest real concept is competition law under the federal Competition Act, which addresses agreements between competitors, abuse of dominance and mergers, along with regulated industries where licensing limits competition.
How BC law treats it
Competition law is federal under the Competition Act, RSC 1985, c C-34. BC consumer protection is governed by the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, SBC 2004, c 2; BC has no Fair Trading Act.
What it means for your business
Businesses that cooperate with competitors, for example in joint ventures or buying groups, should check those arrangements against the Competition Act.
Risks and common mistakes
Informal agreements with competitors on prices, customers or territories can be criminal offences under the Competition Act.
For the full explanation, see our entry on Competition law.
General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.
