The Enforcers
In this recurring segment we get to know two of our Competition Bureau colleagues a little better.
Jacqueline Byers
Competition Law Officer
What is your educational and professional background and for how long have you worked at the Bureau?
After completing my Juris Doctor degree at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, I articled at a large firm in Toronto. In the year before I joined the Bureau I clerked for Justice Woods at the Federal Court of Appeal in Ottawa. I joined the Bureau in August 2017.
What are the most important industries to watch for merger activity?
I think that the cannabis industry will potentially continue to see a lot of merger activity. As it’s an emerging industry with a brand new legal framework, there will be many interesting novel issues and challenges for the Bureau in analyzing those transactions.
Why should young lawyers and economists think about working at the Bureau?
The work is absolutely fascinating – basically every day you have the opportunity to learn about a new industry or a new issue facing consumers. The Bureau is the only place where weekly directorate meetings are more interesting than most conferences, as people describe their work and recent challenges they’ve faced on files. Plus the people (and the potlucks) are fantastic!
If I wasn't at the Bureau, I'd be…
Probably an IP litigator! Before I went to law school I studied physics, and during my articles I largely worked on intellectual property litigation. In many ways the work was quite similar to the work in Mergers, and I loved working with experts and digging into what makes an invention novel.
When I'm not at the Bureau, you can find me…
Probably doing some sort of trivia or game-based activity – I’m part of an Ottawa trivia league team called the “Department of Extra-Trivial Affairs” (we were formerly known as “Too Young for the Civil Service”). I also love board games and party games – Shadowhunters and Werewords are some of my favourites.
Favourite vacation since joining the Bureau?
I recently got back from an amazing two-week trip to Japan. I attended the ICN Merger Workshop in Tokyo, and then travelled around Tokyo and Kyoto with my parents. The temples and the autumn leaves were beautiful, and I was blown away by how convenient everything was – especially the food! From buying the spiciest curry I’ve ever eaten from a vending machine, to ordering sushi delivered on tiny bullet trains, to eating tuna sliced fresh off the fish in front of me at the Tsukiji fish market, every meal was an adventure.
Andrew Kelly
Competition Law Officer
What is your educational and professional background and for how long have you worked at the Bureau?
I have a BComm from McGill, and an MA in Economics from Carleton. I joined the Bureau in January of 2013 as a student before returning full time in July 2014. Before coming to the Bureau, I had worked in a wide variety of jobs – teaching assistant, tutor, executive assistant, tech consultant, security guard, server, tour guide, delivery man, residence don, among others!
What are the most important industries to watch for merger activity?
High tech touches on many antitrust topics that pose fascinating challenges for antitrust practitioners. The importance of “big data”, innovation markets and the changing ways that consumers interact with businesses are just a few examples of areas that are affected by big tech firms getting bigger.
Why should young lawyers and economists think about working at the Bureau?
Working at the Bureau gives you an opportunity to sharpen your investigative skills and really think outside the box about how to solve complex problems. It’s a dynamic and fast-paced work environment where you’re always learning something new. We’re lucky to work with a team that is very enthusiastic and fun to be around.
If I wasn't at the Bureau, I'd be…
I enjoyed my time studying economics and was planning to stay in academics before the opportunity at the Bureau came along. If we’re really going to push the “dream job” category, I think I could help shore things up inside the Ottawa Senators’ front office.
When I'm not at the Bureau, you can find me...
I’m often spending time with my girlfriend and/or outside playing with our golden retriever. I play in a couple of recreational sports teams which keep me busy during the week. I try to get outdoors to go camping as much as I can during the summer.
Favourite vacation since joining the Bureau?
Between my time as a student and full-time officer at the Bureau, Will Manning-Dewar and I spent two months driving across the United States in a Honda Odyssey. We saw a lot of the Appalachian Mountains, Pisgah National Forest, Yosemite National Park, Mount Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, and much more.