CDPQ buys stake in U.K. power company from Brookfield Asset Management

TORONTO – At least one competition expert says the record $38.9 million fine against Cineplex Inc. is bound to encourage more action against companies engaged in a deceptive practice known as drip pricing.

The theatre operator was found late Monday to have engaged in the practice, where customers are drawn into a purchase without full disclosure of the final cost.

The Competition Bureau’s case against Cineplex related to a $1.50 charge many customers were forced to pay when purchasing movie tickets online.

Vass Bednar says these types of fees are common across many sectors, providing plenty of fodder for potential future cases that could delve into the pricing of airline, bus and concert tickets.

The executive director of McMaster University’s master of public policy program says the Competition Bureau’s success with the Cineplex case shows there’s no issue too small for the watchdog to go after.

Cineplex maintains it has always been upfront about its $1.50 online booking fees and has said it will appeal the fine levied by the Competition Tribunal.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 24, 2024.

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TORONTO – Brookfield Renewable and its institutional partners have signed an agreement to sell its Saeta Yield renewable energy business in Europe to the UAE’s Masdar in a deal valued at US$1.4 billion.

Saeta is an independent developer, owner and operator of renewable power assets in Spain and Portugal.

Masdar will acquire a portfolio of 745 megawatts of predominantly wind assets and a development pipeline of about 1.6 gigawatts worth of projects.

The deal excludes a regulated portfolio of 350 megawatts of solar power assets, which Brookfield will keep and continue to operate.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, chief executive officer at Masdar, says Saeta is a perfect complement to the company’s portfolio in Europe.

Masdar was established in 2006 and has developed and invested in projects in over 40 countries with a combined capacity of over 20 gigawatts.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 24, 2024.

Companies in this story: (TSX:BEP.UN)

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Amazon.com Inc. says some customers in Canada can now start getting their packages delivered to their garage.

The e-commerce giant says the garage drop-offs are now available to Canadians who are enrolled in its Prime service and have a compatible myQ Smart Garage.

Access to the service spans 1,700 cities, towns and neighbourhoods in Canada including in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Winnipeg, Halifax and Ottawa.

Amazon is positioning the Canadian launch as a way to offer shoppers convenience and help protect packages from weather damage and theft.

The company says the service is particularly useful for people receiving costly or fragile goods.

While Amazon will waive fees for customers who choose their delivery date in advance, others will be charged $1.99 per garage drop-off.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 23, 2024.

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