**Title: Ottawa to Strengthen Competition Regulations, Says Joly**

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly announced on Wednesday that the Canadian government will adopt a more aggressive stance on competition to help alleviate rising living costs. Speaking at the Competition Bureau's annual summit in Ottawa, Joly emphasized the importance of fostering market competition to provide consumers with more choices and lower prices.

"Let me be clear. This government will be hawkish on competition," Joly stated. She highlighted that affordability remains a significant concern for Canadians and that enhancing competition is essential for addressing this issue.

Joly pointed to her recent decision to uphold a regulatory ruling that allows major telecom companies to offer services using the infrastructure of their competitors. This ruling, she argued, will increase competition in the telecommunications sector, leading to more options and better pricing for consumers.

"The ruling enables internet providers to compete today across the country. This means more choice, lower prices, and better service offerings for Canadians everywhere," she said.

The decision follows a contentious debate involving major telecom players like Telus Corp., Bell Canada, and Rogers Communications Inc. While Telus supported the policy as a means to enhance competition, Bell argued it could deter investment in infrastructure. Independent carriers expressed concerns that it might hinder their ability to compete against larger companies.

The Competition Bureau, which monitors competitive practices in Canada, has recently focused on sectors such as groceries and airlines. The bureau has also been granted new powers to impose larger penalties, scrutinize mergers more closely, and demand financial documents during market investigations.

In a move to support small and medium-sized businesses, the bureau launched a market study last month to identify barriers these companies face in accessing financing from Canada’s major banks. Joly cited this study as part of the government's commitment to fostering a competitive business environment.

"My message today is clear: Canada is open for business, but we expect companies to compete fairly," she said.

Competition Bureau Commissioner Matthew Boswell echoed Joly's sentiments, calling for immediate action to enhance competition. He stressed the need to dismantle internal trade barriers and standardize regulations across the country.

"A fragmented regulatory environment creates unnecessary trade obstacles for business and workers," Boswell noted. He pointed out that the Canadian economy has become less inclusive and more extractive in recent years, with a significant increase in the federal regulatory burden.

Business leaders also emphasized the need for policies that support startups and small businesses. Andrew Graham, co-founder of Borrowell Inc., urged policymakers to define what constitutes a successful pro-competitive economy. He suggested that the focus should be on actions that help Canadian companies thrive.

Graham remarked, "Let’s stop being Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts … and say we’re going to help Canadian companies win." He highlighted the importance of prioritizing Canadian businesses over foreign companies establishing operations in Canada.

Marwa Abdou, senior research director at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, called for increased access to resources for underrepresented groups, including women and immigrant entrepreneurs. She argued that these groups represent significant potential for Canada’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Rachel Wasserman, founder of Wasserman Business Law, warned that Canada is making entrepreneurship a privilege. She pointed to a looming crisis in business succession, with a significant number of small and medium-sized businesses expected to change hands in the coming years.

Wasserman stated, "We are facing … the potential extinction of entrepreneurship in this country if we don’t find a solution to make entrepreneurship easier." She advocated for providing debt financing to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to acquire existing businesses.

Graham concluded by acknowledging the challenges facing entrepreneurs in Canada, noting that many graduates may find more appealing opportunities in places like California or New York.

"We need to be aware that it is a competition. We are competing for those super bright graduates and entrepreneurs … to fix a problem," he said.