Corruption and the Private Sector: A Concise Action Plan

Peter German

Canadian Task Force Against Global Construction

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The pace of life, and crime, have accelerated exponentially in recent years. As technology races ahead, enabling globalization of both trade and transportation, so does the threat environment and the need to mitigate those threats to the greatest extent possible. The intent of this guide is to provide Canadians engaged in commerce at home and abroad with a one-stop source of information regarding corruption and its impact on business.

Despite the moral imperative that every business should practice ethics and integrity in its operations, the reality is that free enterprise, dominated by the profit-motive, often overlooks the dividend provided by a strong, anti-corruption program, and how such a program can benefit the bottom line. 

This guide outlines the pitfalls of corrupt behaviour, examines the increased domestic and international focus which the topic has acquired, and provides a concise roadmap that businesses can use in the current threat environment. It is for companies to reach their own conclusions on the importance of dealing with corrupt behaviour. Their motivation can be altruistic, it can be profit-oriented, or it can be driven by regulation. 

The recommendations provided at the end of this guide are intended to be both operational and actionable.


Author

  • Peter German

    Dr. Peter German, KC, is President and Executive Director of the International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Chair of the Advisory Committee of the Vancouver Anti-Corruption Institute. A lawyer and member of the British Columbia and Ontario bars, he served as the RCMP’s Director General Financial Crime and Deputy Commissioner for Western and Northern Canada. He has various degrees including a Doctorate in Law from the University of London, focused on asset recovery.