Public servants who turn a blind eye to wrongful activities will be held accountable

Former federal public servant pleads guilty to failing to report contraventions of Financial Administration Act

OTTAWA, Dec. 2, 2016 /CNW/ - A former Library and Archives Canada manager pleaded guilty today for failing to report wrongdoing related to the purchase of IT professional services.

Sylvie Béland admitted to breaching the Financial Administration Act (FAA), the law that governs how public funds are managed, collected and spent. The law says that public servants who manage public money must speak-up and report wrongful activities.

Ms. Béland received a conditional discharge including 15 months probation and 100 hours of community service.

To date, the Bureau's investigation relating to this conspiracy has led to three individuals pleading guilty, $43,000 in fines, 36 months conditional sentences to be served in the community and 250 hours of community service. Charges against three individuals and one company are still before the courts.

Quick Facts

• This is the first time that a Bureau bid-rigging investigation has resulted in charges under the FAA.
• The Bureau laid charges in 2014 against Microtime Inc. and six individuals for their roles in this alleged bid-rigging conspiracy. 
• The contracts, which were awarded to Microtime Inc., are estimated to be worth a total of $3.5 million.

Quote

"This resolution sends a strong signal to all federal employees: if you are aware of illegal activities, it is your duty to report them. Sound stewardship is a core public service value."

Matthew Boswell,
Senior Deputy Commissioner of Competition, Competition Bureau

Related Information

• Immunity Program
• Leniency Program
• Videos on cartels and bid‑rigging
• Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector

Associated Links

• Criminal Charges Laid Against a Company and Six Individuals Involved in Bid‑rigging Scheme 
• Ontario individual sentenced after pleading guilty to bid‑rigging 
• Second individual sentenced for rigging bids for federal government contracts

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The Competition Bureau, as an independent law enforcement agency, ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace.

SOURCE Competition Bureau

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