Canada Gets Tough On Corruption

Introduction

In the wake of recent anti-corruption cases brought against two Canadian companies, the Government of Canada has signalled its continuing commitment to fight foreign corruption by proposing significant amendments to the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (the "CFPOA"). These amendments address the OECD's criticism that Canada is not taking seriously its commitments under the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials (the "OECD Convention").

On February 5, 2013, the Minister of Foreign Affairs tabled Bill S-14, the Fighting Foreign Corruption Act (Bill S-14 or the "Act"), in the Senate. The Act proposes amendments that will expand the application of the CFPOA and strengthen Canada's ability to prosecute Canadian companies engaged in prohibited conduct. Canadian businesses, NGOs, individuals and other Canadian entities that operate beyond Canada's borders should prepare to amend their policies and procedures to ensure