Charbonneau Inquiry on corruption: consulting engineers respond

The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies | Canada (ACEC/AFIC) responded to the release of the report from the Charbonneau Commission of Inquiry in Quebec last week.

The public inquiry was struck in 2011 to examine the “Awarding and Management of Public Contracts in the Construction Industry.” The Commissioners (one of the three died before the report came out) heard from over 200 witnesses, including engineers, and questioned them about possible collusion and corruption, including illegal financing of political parties. They also made recommendations.

ACEC said it was “pleased to have offered its entire cooperation and full support to the Inquiry in its aim to shed light on alleged unethical behaviours.”

John Gamble, ACEC.

John Gamble, president and chief executive officer of ACEC, continued: “We believe this report and its 60 recommendations introduce greater transparency and accountability that will ultimately strengthen public procurement and the construction industry in Quebec.”

Gamble said, “If there are individuals who acted unethically, either on behalf of themselves or their companies, ACEC expects that those responsible for such acts will be held accountable.” He added: “Corruption will never be entirely eradicated without dealing with both the buyers and sellers. Therefore we are pleased to see that the Inquiry recognized the role of the public sector as well as the private sector in its recommendations and welcomes vigilance by all parties in ending corruption.”
He also noted: “As stated by Justice Charbonneau in her remarks, ACEC also expects the majority of companies and professionals who conduct business fairly and ethically will be exonerated, and that the unethical practices of a select few will not further harm reputations built over generations of that majority.”

To read the entire ACEC statement, click here.

To read the Charbonneau Commission final report, issued on November 24, 2015 (in French only), click here.