Title: Canada Cracks Down on Corruption: An Overview of Canada’s Anti-Bribery Laws and Transparency Initiatives

Canada is strengthening its stance against corruption in business practices, both domestically and abroad. The country’s commitment to combatting bribery and promoting transparency is gaining international recognition.

Anti-Bribery and Corruption: New Rules, Same Commitment

Canada’s anti-corruption laws have been in place since the late 1990s, and the country has continued to expand and refine them to meet modern challenges.

The Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (CFPOA)

• The CFPOA, which came into effect in 1999, makes it a criminal offense to bribe a foreign public official.
• Individuals and corporations can now be prosecuted for offenses committed not only in Canada but also overseas.
• Last October, the scope of the CFPOA was expanded to include facilitation payments.
• These are payments made to foreign government officials to expedite routine transactions.
• The Act took another step forward in September 2018 with the introduction of the Remediation Agreement regime for addressing corporate criminal wrongdoing.

For more information on Canada’s anti-corruption efforts, please visit the Global Affairs Canada website.

Bringing Transparency to the Extractive Sector

Canada is also leading global efforts to combat corruption abroad through transparency initiatives in the extractive sector.

The Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act (ESTMA)

• The ESTMA became law in 2015.
• It requires businesses to report payments they make to the governments of Canada and other countries involved in oil, gas, and mining developments.

The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)

• Canada has supported the EITI since 2007.
• This international organization publishes and verifies company payments and government receipts from extractive industries to improve transparency and reduce opportunities for corruption in resource-rich nations.

For additional details, please refer to Natural Resources Canada’s ESTMA web page.

Canada’s Progress Toward Transparent Business Practices

Through its anti-bribery efforts and transparency initiatives, Canada remains committed to fighting corruption and promoting open business practices at an international level.

• The Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act and the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act are significant steps in the ongoing pursuit of a more accountable and ethical business world.
• With these measures in place, Canada continues to set a leadership example for other countries to follow.

Date Modified: 2022-04-25