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

19 Indian-Canadians Elected To Canadian Parliament

The Indian-Canadians more than doubled their representation in the Canadian parliament from eight to 19 as Canadians voted out the Conservative Party by handing out a landslide to the Liberal Party on Monday.

19 Indian-Canadians Elected To Canadian Parliament

Justin Trudeau Emerges As Political Force In Own Right, Out From Father's Shadow

OTTAWA — It seems somehow fitting that the son of the man who first fired up political passion in Stephen Harper should be the person to usher him out of politics.

Justin Trudeau Emerges As Political Force In Own Right, Out From Father's Shadow

In D.C. Bar, Canadians Involved In Foreign Affairs Cheer End Of The Harper Era

It was a scene of cheers, high-fives, and sighs of relief about the demise of a Harper-era foreign policy they'd disdained for a decade, often in silence.

In D.C. Bar, Canadians Involved In Foreign Affairs Cheer End Of The Harper Era

Justin Trudeau Begins Healing Process After Divisive Election Campaign

MONTREAL — Justin Trudeau used his maiden speech as prime minister-designate to start the healing process for wounds torn open during a divisive election campaign.

Justin Trudeau Begins Healing Process After Divisive Election Campaign

First Nations Look Forward To New Relationship With Ottawa: Chiefs

Some of Canada's top First Nations leaders say the federal election awoke a sleeping giant that the incoming Liberal government will have to contend with.

First Nations Look Forward To New Relationship With Ottawa: Chiefs

Stephen Harper Steps Down As Leader As Conservatives Reduced To Opposition Status

Stephen Harper's tenure as Canada's sixth-longest serving prime minister came to an abrupt end Monday night as his party was reduced to opposition status and he prepared to step down as its chief.