Competition Bureau to get new threads for officers on winter busts

Next winter, staff at the Competition Bureau will sport some new threads when they leave the office to enforce laws such as the textile labelling act.

The agency recently bought 83 custom-made coats for a total of $24,449. As one would expect of this government agency, the contract was the result of a competitive bid. 

• Moose Knuckles coat maker accused of faking "Made in Canada" claims
• Competition Bureau clears Google of accusations of anticompetitive behaviour

Spokesperson Marie-France Faucher said the purchase stems from a recent assessment of physical security, which "provided specific recommendations on how to mitigate risks when Competition Bureau employees execute search warrants and conduct other enforcement activities."

Faucher said those activities can include investigation of "serious criminal offences" such as price-fixing and bid-rigging.

The assessment determined employees should be well identified by wearing the coats and carrying identification cards and badges.

"The winter coats will ensure that bureau employees are well identified and equipped to work in conditions that are sub-optimal (such as) unheated storage facilities," said Faucher.

The black jackets are emblazoned with "Bureau de la concurrence – Competition Bureau" on the front and back. Faucher said the logo on the back can be concealed.

In a follow up email to CBC News, Faucher said that while the coats were made by Avalanche, a Canadian company based in Quebec, the coats themselves are made in China, with custom modifications, such as the embroidery and the pocket to conceal the logo, added in Canada.

Ironically, the practise of manufacturing apparel abroad and then adding "finishing touches" in Canada led to a recent Competition Bureau case, in which the agency alleged a company called Moose Knuckles was making false marketing claims that its high-priced parkas were entirely made in Canada.