Competition Commissioner Melanie Aitken Thursday announced her decision to step down, effective September 21. Aitken was appointed in 2009.

As an independent law enforcement agency, the Competition Bureau ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace.

“It has been a tremendous privilege to work at the Bureau for the past seven years, with over half of that time as commissioner. At the outset, I identified clear goals to reinvigorate enforcement at the Bureau and, with the help of the Bureau’s dedicated staff, I believe we have accomplished what we set out to do and positioned the Bureau to continue its valuable work well into the future,” said Aitken.

“Her many contributions to the Competition Bureau over the last seven years have made a lasting impression. Thanks to her dedication and determination, the Bureau is well recognized by businesses and consumers alike for ensuring that Canadian competition laws are respected,” said industry minister Christian Paradis.

The Competition Bureau is currently seeking to address competition concerns in the airlines, telecommunications and credit card industries.

Aitken has held a variety of senior positions at the Competition Bureau. She joined the Bureau in 2005 as assistant deputy commissioner of competition, Mergers, and was appointed senior deputy commissioner, mergers in May 2007. She served as interim commissioner from Jan. 12, 2009 to Aug. 4, 2009, when she was appointed as commissioner for a five-year term.

Prior to joining the Bureau, Ms. Aitken was a commercial litigation partner at Bennett Jones LLP. From 2001 and 2003, she worked as senior counsel at the Department of Justice (Federal), on secondment from her partnership at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP in Toronto.