Quasi-monopoly

Quasi-monopoly is an economic description, not a legal term, of a business with a dominant but not exclusive position in a market. In Canadian law, holding a dominant position is not unlawful; the legal concern is abuse of that position.

How BC law treats it

The Competition Act, RSC 1985, c C-34 addresses abuse of dominance (s. 79), anti-competitive mergers (s. 92) and criminal conspiracies such as price fixing (s. 45). The BC Utilities Commission regulates the rates and service of public utilities, many of which are monopolies, rather than preventing monopolies.

What it means for your business

A business with a strong market position should take care with exclusive dealing, refusals to supply and pricing designed to exclude rivals.

Risks and common mistakes

Conduct that is normal for a small competitor, such as demanding exclusivity, may be challenged as abuse of dominance when done by a dominant firm.

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.