Voluntary reimbursement program takes major step forward - Negotiations are over
MONTRÉAL, Nov. 2, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, the Bureau de l'administrateur du Programme de remboursement volontaire announced the completion of a key phase in the voluntary reimbursement program (VRP) to facilitate the recovery of improper payments over the past 20 years resulting from fraud or fraudulent tactics in connection with the awarding and management of public contracts.
"The VRP negotiations are now over. This initiative is unique in the world and has made it possible to quickly recover, without the complexity and costs associated with legal proceedings, amounts overpaid for public contracts. It is also important to remember that the program is cost neutral for taxpayers," said the Honourable François Rolland, director of the VRP.
Moreover, the Ministère de la Justice has announced that extra time has been granted for the analysis and signature of releases, as the VRP deadline has been extended to December 15, 2017 for administrative purposes.
According to the director, a significant number of enterprises have used the program to reach settlements with various public bodies and reimburse overpaid amounts. He went on to add that these enterprises contributed to the program's success, and the experience should be considered for other sectors, where appropriate.
"We are happy to have successfully completed this ambitious exercise in participatory justice that benefits all Québec taxpayers. On the one hand, public bodies are recovering amounts that can be reinvested. On the other, many enterprises can continue operating, maintaining numerous jobs," explained Rolland.
Next steps
The voluntary reimbursement program, which came into effect on November 2, 2015 and for which negotiations were completed yesterday, was created pursuant to the Act to ensure mainly the recovery of amounts improperly paid as a result of fraud or fraudulent tactics in connection with public contract.
Under section 47 of the program, the Minister of Justice must, within six months after the end of the program, report to the Government on its implementation. The report must include the names of the enterprises or natural persons who participated in the program, the names of the public bodies involved, and the total amount reimbursed.
It should be noted that the VRP is self-funding; each enterprise or natural person must pay an additional lump-sum of 10% of their total settlement to cover the program's administrative costs.
For further details on the program, go to www.prv.gouv.qc.ca.
SOURCE Bureau de l'administrateur du programme de remboursement volontaire
For further information: Media relations: Anne Dongois, [email protected], 514 826-2050
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