Canada's Burgeoning Animal-Assisted Human Services Socio-Economic Market

Transforming Communities Across Canada

News Release! June 24, 2022 – GATINEAU, QC – Competition Bureau

Quote

"The amendments coming into effect are an important step in modernizing Canada’s competition law and building a more competitive Canadian economy. The Competition Act applies to all businesses operating in Canada. Going forward, the Competition Bureau will ensure businesses have clarity on how to comply with the law and predictability with respect to the Bureau’s enforcement of the new provisions."

Matthew Boswell
Commissioner of Competition

Restrictive Trade Practices

The size of a business, even one that dominates a particular market, is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, the law prohibits a company from using its market power in a way that hurts competition in the marketplace. For more information, please visit  Restrictive Trade Practices (canada.ca).

Competition: A Canadian Vantage Point
Competition Act 

Why Competition Matters

Canada is one of many countries worldwide that have a competition act. Not only does a fair and competitive market build a more robust economy, but it is also a catalyst for innovation to increase productivity and quality. That is when it's understood, promoted, and taken seriously.

A vibrant, open marketplace supported by the government enhances the affordability and accessibility of goods and services, benefiting consumers, businesses, and other relevant stakeholders, such as the public and private sectors. In short, a fair and open marketplace levels the playing field by prioritizing consumer interests.  

Co-creating a robust framework and bringing together a skilled workforce will foster industry sector recognition and promote job creation, apprenticeship programs, and seamless access to credible services while addressing the increasing demand for AAHS in the healthcare, social services, justice, and correctional services sectors. 

Canada's Animal-Assisted Human Services {AAHS} Marketplace

AAHS, commonly referred to as Animal-Assisted Services, is a rapidly growing, highly fragmented industry sector not regulated by the public sector. The marketplace encompasses a variety of multi- and interdisciplinary practices such as breeding, training and placement of Assistant/Service Animals and Animal-Assisted Interventions {AAI}.

AAHS is delivered by an Animal-Assisted Human Service Provider {AAHSP} and Animal-Assisted Services Professionals {AASP}. 

AAHS is a subcategory within Canada’s human services industry. This evolving industry is a significant driver within an all-encompassing socio-economic sector and growing marketplace that attracts both for-profit and non-profit businesses.

Connecting, communicating, collaborating, coordinating and celebrating service excellence aims to cultivate unity in diversity among multiple stakeholders, disciplines, and sectors to enhance public confidence, public safety, quality, and animal health and welfare to nurture One Health for People, Pets, and Partners™ One Health: The Canadian Foundation for Animal-Assisted Support Services (cf4aass.ca). 

The Benefits of Fair Competition in an Open Marketplace

  • a healthy, competitive economy increases productivity and benefits everyone with lower and competitive pricing and more choices,
  • it provides consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions,
  • it strengthens businesses’ ability to adapt and compete at home and in global markets,
  • it stimulates an efficient economy and encourages growth,
  • it gives small and medium-sized businesses a better chance to compete and participate in the economy and 
  • it balances the interests of consumers and producers, retailers, dominant, mid-size and minor players, and the public and private interests. Source: https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/h_00125.html