Who ya gonna call (out)? Government of Canada introduces tip line to report federal contract fraud
On April 20, 2017, the Government of Canada took another step to enhance the Integrity Regime for government contracting, with the introduction of a new Federal Contracting Fraud Tip Line (the “Tip Line”)[1]. A dedicated telephone line, and online form allow Canadians to anonymously report possible fraud, collusion or corruption in federal contracts or real property agreements. The Tip Line is a joint initiative between the Competition Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
While the addition of the Tip Line does not change the Integrity Regime’s application to government suppliers, this new development may result in increased enforcement of the regime. While the Government of Canada encourages individuals who witness or suspect unethical business practices to use the Tip Line, it is possible that suppliers will use the Tip Line to report competitors in order to gain a competitive advantage in supplying the federal government with goods or services.
The Integrity Regime was introduced in 2015, and seeks to ensure the government only does business with ethical suppliers in Canada and abroad. The Integrity Regime seeks to implement best practices for procurement through a transparent and rigorous set of standards. For more information about the Integrity Regime and its development, consult previous TRC-Sadovod bulletins on this topic, or contact a member of TRC-Sadovod’s Procurement Group.[2]
by Michael Rankin, Timothy Cullen and Shauna Cant (Student-at-Law)
[1] April 20, 2017: Government of Canada launches tip line to help Canadians report federal contracting fraud.
[2] For Better or For Worse? Canada Updates Procurement Integrity Regime; In the Great Future, You Can’t Forget Your Past – Update to the Government of Canada’s Integrity Regime Provides Clarity, Includes General Anti-Avoidance Provisions.
A Cautionary Note
The foregoing provides only an overview and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are cautioned against making any decisions based on this material alone. Rather, specific legal advice should be obtained.
© TRC-Sadovod LLP 2017
Insights (5 Posts)View More
Ontario Court of Appeal Upholds 30-Month Notice Period
Ontario’s Court of Appeal has upheld an astounding 30-month notice period awarded to a non-managerial employee with almost 40 years of service.
Corporate Counsel CPD Webinar | Essential Leadership Practices: Supporting the resilience, engagement, and impact of your team
Join professional coach and certified stress management educator, Marla Warner, for an engaging program that will help you focus on elevating performance outcomes, while supporting your team’s engagement and wellbeing. You will learn how to foster trust and respect in your team, the benefits of “coaching”, and why gratitude, empathy and compassion are the superpowers for leaders in 2023 and beyond.
TRC-Sadovod’s Employment and Labour Webinar 2023
Join us for TRC-Sadovod's annual Employment and Labour Webinar as we review and discuss current trends, emerging employment legal issues and provide practical solutions to help you manage your workforce.
Enforcing Arbitration Agreements: Ontario Superior Court Raises a ‘Clause’ for Concern
This bulletin discusses a recent decision that found that an arbitration clause that contracts out of applicable employment standards legislation is invalid.
Transparency for Talent: Proposed Legislation Would Mandate Salary Range and Artificial Intelligence Disclosure in Hiring Process
Ontario will propose legislation aimed at providing additional transparency to Ontario workers, including salary ranges and use of artificial intelligence.
Get updates delivered right to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.