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

New Liberal Government Reinstating Long-Form Census, But Won't Talk Penalties

Navdeep Bains, the minister of innovation, science and economic development, said the new government is focused on evidence-based decision-making over ideology.

New Liberal Government Reinstating Long-Form Census, But Won't Talk Penalties

Justin Trudeau Relaxes Conservative Control Of Diplomats, Urges Them To Engage

Trudeau sent a letter Wednesday to the ambassadors and high commissioners of Canada's foreign missions telling them he and his cabinet will be relying on their judgment and insight to advance Canada's foreign policy goals.

Justin Trudeau Relaxes Conservative Control Of Diplomats, Urges Them To Engage

Saskatoon Children With Rare Disease To Have $500,000 Drug Covered By Province

Muhammed Akhter says when he got the phone call from the health minister he had to ask the woman on the line three times to repeat what she was saying. He calls it "life-changing news."

Saskatoon Children With Rare Disease To Have $500,000 Drug Covered By Province

Newfoundland And Labrador On Verge Of Provincial Election Call For Nov. 30

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Voters in Newfoundland and Labrador will go to the polls on Nov. 30 in a provincial election that was scheduled to formally start on Thursday.

Newfoundland And Labrador On Verge Of Provincial Election Call For Nov. 30

Ontario Reviewing Consumer Protections For Owners Of New Homes

Ontario has appointed Douglas Cunningham, the former associate chief justice of the Ontario Superior Court, to review the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act and the Tarion Warranty Corporation.

Ontario Reviewing Consumer Protections For Owners Of New Homes

New Conservative Leader To Be Chosen; Could Signal Change In Party Tone

Conservatives will pick an interim replacement today for former leader Stephen Harper — a decision that could, at least temporarily, mark a shift to how the party operates.