Corruption
On this page
According to Canadian legislation, corruption is when a person in public office receives an undue reward to influence their behavior in office, contrary to the rules of honesty and integrity.
In Canada, both domestic and foreign corruption are criminal offences. Corrupt practices include:
- embezzlement of funds
- theft of corporate or public property
- influence peddling
- bribery
- extortion
Examples of corruption
Bribery comes in different forms and can involve sophisticated schemes. Examples include:
- hiring a public official's unqualified relative to get a contract
- paying a public official not to do their job
- giving a public official extravagant gifts (such as cars, homes, furniture, etc.)
- making a large charitable donation (linked to a public official)
- paying for the education of the children of a public official
- diverting contracts, real or not, to an entity owned or linked to a public official (beneficial ownership)
- using agents or third parties to funnel bribes to a public official
Report corruption
Bribery and corruption have an impact on our society, economy, health and safety in all sorts of ways. Corrupt practices increase the costs of goods and services. This means that every single Canadian is a potential victim.
Contact your local police if you know about an act of corruption that involves:
- businesses
- municipal or provincial government employees
- municipal or provincial government institutions
Report it to the RCMP at rcmp.nat.intake-triage.nat.grc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca if it involves:
- Canadian businesses offering bribes to foreign officials
- Canadian federal government employees or institutions
- businesses dealing with the federal government
- companies operating outside of Canada
Self-reporting corruption allegations for businesses
Businesses who self-report allegations of corruption may be able to avoid criminal convictions.
To self-report a corruption allegation, your lawyer should contact a law enforcement agency. This process is voluntary, so you don't have to identify yourself to law enforcement until you're satisfied with the process.
For inquiries or self-reporting, contact the RCMP National Division Intake Unit at:
- rcmp.nat.intake-triage.nat.grc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
- Telephone
- 613-993-6884
Report cheating in federal government contracts: Submit a tip
The impact of corruption
Bribery:
- raises serious moral and political concerns
- undermines good governance and sustainable economic development
- distorts the conditions of international competition
Corruption has devastating consequences for its victims. It contributes to the abuse of human rights by impairing developmental aid.
International action against corruption
According to the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development, all countries share a responsibility for combatting bribery in international business transactions. This goal requires a global strategy, coordinated and executed at the national level.
Canada is one of 44 countries that signed the convention in 1997 and in 1999. The creation of the Corruption of Foreign Public Official Act made it illegal to pay bribes to foreign officials.
International Foreign Bribery Taskforce
The RCMP works in collaboration with national and international partners to investigate crimes. The RCMP is a member of the International Foreign Bribery Taskforce composed of:
- United States Federal Bureau of Investigations
- New Zealand Police
- Australian Federal Police
- New Zealand Serious Fraud Office
- United Kingdom National Crime Agency
The taskforce meets every year. They discuss trends and challenges in relation to foreign bribery of public officials. They provide an opportunity for members to share investigative methods and good practices.
- Date modified: