National

8-Year Probe Into Alleged Chocolate Price-Fixing Ends After Charges Stayed

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 18 Nov, 2015 11:06 AM

OTTAWA — An eight-year investigation into allegations of price fixing in the chocolate candy business has concluded after charges against Nestle Canada and a former executive were stayed.

The Public Prosecution Service of Canada entered a stay of proceedings Tuesday against the company and former president Robert Leonidas, who were accused of conspiring to fix chocolate prices between 2002 and 2008.

No reason was give for the Crown's decision.

Two months ago, prosecutors also abandoned charges against Mars Canada, former Nestle Canada executive Sandra Martinez, distributor ITWAL Ltd. and its former CEO, David Glenn Stevens.

Hershey Canada, the only company convicted in the case, pleaded guilty in June 2013 to price-fixing and was fined $4 million.

Hershey had co-operated in the Competition Bureau's investigation and the regulator recommended the company receive lenient treatment in return.

The charges stem from an investigation launched in July 2007 after the bureau was contacted by Cadbury Adams Canada Inc. under the bureau's immunity program.

The bureau says it now considers the investigation closed.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Ontario Gives Municipalities $333 Million From Gas Tax To Fund Public Transit

Ontario generates about $2.4 billion a year from its 14.7 cents-a-litre tax on gasoline, and gives two-cents-a-litre to cities and towns to expand public transit.

Ontario Gives Municipalities $333 Million From Gas Tax To Fund Public Transit

Justin Trudeau Promises To Look Into 2008 RCMP Proposal To Tail Journalist

rudeau says he believes a free and independent press is an essential part of a strong democracy.

Justin Trudeau Promises To Look Into 2008 RCMP Proposal To Tail Journalist

Harper Government Accused Of Leaving 'Bare Cupboard' For Liberals

Treasury Board President Scott Brison says he's not surprised the Harper government left behind little fiscal capacity.

Harper Government Accused Of Leaving 'Bare Cupboard' For Liberals

Soldier Suicide Recognition At DND An Uphill Battle, Says Victim's Mother

Sheila Fynes, whose son Cpl. Stuart Langridge died by his own hand in 2008, says she's been made cautiously optimistic by the promise, but the stigma of mental illness, which can lead to suicide, is still very much a part of the military mindset.

Soldier Suicide Recognition At DND An Uphill Battle, Says Victim's Mother

Day Parole Approved For Patrick Clayton Who Took Hostages In Edmonton WCB Office

Day parole has been granted to an Alberta man who took nine people hostage at gunpoint in a Workers' Compensation Board office in downtown Edmonton.

Day Parole Approved For Patrick Clayton Who Took Hostages In Edmonton WCB Office

Cancer Fund Launched By Terminally Ill Boy's Family Who Had Christmas In October

The family of a terminally ill seven-year-old boy whose small Ontario town threw him an early Christmas parade has launched a foundation to support brain cancer research.