Relating to water services provided by Quebec companies
June 23, 2015 — OTTAWA, ON — Competition Bureau
On June 16, 2015, the Competition Bureau laid 44 criminal charges against three companies and four individuals accused of rigging bids for the supply of water services to municipalities in the province of Quebec between February 2005 and October 2011.
Aquarehab Inc. and its president Claudio Grilli, 9083-0126 Québec Inc., its president Mario Richard and its vice-president Sylvain Lortie, and Gestion Muni-Max Inc. and its president Alain Chabot were charged with bid-rigging under section 47 of the Competition Act.
Laval-based Les Entreprises Paysagistes Gaspard inc. pleaded guilty to nine counts of bid-rigging and was fined $117,000 for its role in the alleged bid-rigging conspiracy.
Quick facts
- The Bureau began its investigation in December 2011 after being informed of the alleged bid-rigging conspiracy by way of its immunity and leniency programs.
- The calls or requests for municipal bids relate to work on pneumatic excavation, cathodic protection, unidirectional flushing and the inspection of hydrants.
Quote
"Canadians trust the Competition Bureau to protect them against unfair competition and we will continue to take necessary steps to ensure that companies play by the rules."
Associated links
- Video Bid-rigging: Compete legally!
- Video on Corporate Compliance
- Bulletin on Corporate Compliance Programs
- Pamphlet on Bid-Rigging
Contacts
The Competition Bureau, as an independent law enforcement agency, ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace.