GATINEAU, QC, May 23, 2024
/CNW/ - Pavages Maska Inc. has been ordered to pay $100,000 for arranging with competitors to rig
bids for paving contracts awarded by the ministère des Transports
du Québec in the Granby region of
Québec between 2008 and 2009.
The payment is part of a settlement between the Public
Prosecution Service of Canada and
Pavages Maska filed in the Superior Court of Québec. The settlement
concludes the Competition Bureau's investigation into the company's
role in this bid-rigging scheme.
The settlement takes into account the fact that:
- Pavages Maska has implemented a corporate compliance program
and appropriate control procedures to ensure its effectiveness, and
that;
- the individual involved in the scheme had a limited role and no
longer works for the company.
This is the second settlement reached with a road construction
company in connection with this scheme. The investigation has
also resulted in criminal charges being laid against two
individuals, including a former Pavages Maska executive, for
bid-rigging on public contracts in the Granby region.
Pavages Maska will make its $100,000 payment to the Receiver General for
Canada within the next 30
days.
Quotes
"The settlement reached with Pavages Maska is a reminder that we
will continue to vigorously pursue all those who make illegal
arrangements instead of competing with each
other. Cracking down on bid-rigging is a top priority for the
Bureau."
Matthew Boswell,
Commissioner of Competition
Quick facts
- Bid-rigging is illegal under the Competition Act. This
anti-competitive practice eliminates competition between suppliers,
and raises the price of public contracts.
- When the Competition Bureau finds evidence of a criminal
offence, it refers the matter to the Public Prosecution Service of
Canada, which has independent
authority on all decisions related to the prosecution of a
case.
- Those who believe they are involved in an illegal agreement
with their competitors can come forward to seek immunity or
leniency in return for their cooperation with the Bureau's
investigation through its Immunity and Leniency Programs.
- The Bureau also has a Whistleblowing Initiative for those who
believe they can provide information about a potential violation of
the Competition Act. The Bureau will keep the identity of
the whistleblower confidential.
- The Bureau strongly encourages anyone who suspects a company or
individual of being involved in illegal agreements, such as
bid-rigging, price-fixing, market allocation or supply restriction,
to report it using its online form.
Related Products
- Bid-rigging, price-fixing and other agreements between
competitors
- Avoiding business collusion and big-rigging
Associated Links
- Construction DJL Inc. to pay $1.5
million for bid-rigging on public contracts in Québec
- The Competition Bureau lays charges against two executives in a
bid-rigging case in Montérégie
General
information:
Enquiries | Complaints
Stay
connected:
Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | RSS
Feed | Email Distribution List
The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency
that protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian
consumers and businesses. Competition drives lower prices and
innovation while fueling economic growth.
SOURCE Competition Bureau