Corruption in the Construction Industry
A Quebec Perspective
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
16:00 – 17:00 EDT
Followed by TI Canada AGM @ 17:00 & Reception
Aird & Berlis LLP
181 Bay Street, Suite 1700
Toronto, ON M5J 2T9
Speaker: Jacques Duchesneau
Corruption in the construction industry is a complex and sensitive issue that is a threat to governments, economic growth, and the population at large. There are many reasons that make the construction industry an easy target for corruption, including the scale of projects (very large with few qualified or capable companies able to deliver, multiple phases making oversight difficult), the uniqueness of projects (permitting price inflation), government involvement (most infrastructure is government-owned requiring significant approval), the complexity of projects (many linkages making it a challenge to define accountability), and the underlying culture of secrecy that permeates an industry in which commercial confidentiality trumps public interest. These features also attract organized crime cartels that view the construction industry as a target-rich and profitable sector in which to “invest”.
There is still a lot of work to do as far as prevention, reduction and elimination of corruption is concerned. Efforts are often compounded by the involvement of powerful vested interests, including politicians and other high-ranking public officials. Although exposure to corruption cannot be avoided, it can be managed through effective planning and the enforcement of regulations accompanied by other public-private and community-driven initiatives.
The presentation will provide insight into the extensive underworld of crime and corruption revealed through the findings of the Anti-Collusion Unit set up by the Quebec government to tackle wrongdoings in the construction industry and Transport Quebec. It will explain how organized crime groups have been able to infiltrate the ranks of the public sector to exploit vulnerabilities and reap the benefits and rewards of the construction market. It will also suggest some ways to reduce and prevent corruption within the construction industry, as well as strategies to mitigate the risks posed by the nexus with organized crime.
Jacques Duchesneau is recognized as a leading figure of the fight against corruption in Quebec. From 2012 to 2014, he was a member of the Quebec National Assembly elected under the Coalition Avenir Québec banner. Prior to being elected, he was the director of the anti-collusion unit set up by the government of Québec to tackle wrongdoings in the construction industry. Before that assignment, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) from its inception in 2002 until his retirement in May 2008. During his tenure, he championed countless initiatives to enhance international co-operation, which led to many innovations, productive partnerships and shared initiatives to improve aviation security around the world. Dr. Duchesneau had a distinguished career with the Montréal Police Service, with five years as Chief of Police. It was during his tenure that he implemented the Neighbourhood Policing Model, which significantly improved police work and brought a better relationship with the community. Over the course of his careers, he has written several articles on leadership, international terrorism, police ethics, drug trafficking, organized crime, collusion and corruption.
All are welcome.
There is no charge to attend but seating is limited.
Please RSVP to natalie@transparency.ca with subject line “RSVP – June 21”