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

Canada Will Stick With NATO Assurance Mission Until Next June: Harper

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper says Canada will extend its participation in NATO efforts to support security in central and eastern Europe until June 2016.

Canada Will Stick With NATO Assurance Mission Until Next June: Harper

Stars Of Reality Show 'Grand Benders' Face Charges

Police say 65-year-old Mickey Rapaport faces a charge of assault with a weapon while 28-year-old Justin Rapaport is charged with obstructing a peace officer.

Stars Of Reality Show 'Grand Benders' Face Charges

On Campaign's Eve, Tories Atop Fundraising List, But NDP Leaps To Second Place

OTTAWA — Elections Canada says the Conservative party raised $7.4 million from 45,532 donors in the second quarter of the year.

On Campaign's Eve, Tories Atop Fundraising List, But NDP Leaps To Second Place

Liberals Attack Tory Economic Record As Election Looms

Statistics Canada reported Friday that the economy shrank in May, marking five consecutive months of decline in the gross domestic product.

Liberals Attack Tory Economic Record As Election Looms

Duffy, Wallin, Brazeau Senate Suspensions To End With Dissolution Of Parliament

OTTAWA — Three senators will see their suspensions without pay come to an abrupt end once an election is called, but only one will be get immediate, full access to perks and expenses.

Duffy, Wallin, Brazeau Senate Suspensions To End With Dissolution Of Parliament

Enbridge Expects Line 9B Pipeline Testing To Wrap Up By Year-end

CALGARY — Enbridge Inc. says it expects integrity testing on its Line 9B pipeline between southern Ontario and Montreal to wrap up by year-end.