New Initiatives to Combat Criminal Offences Announced by Attorney General
Ottawa, ON - The Attorney General of Canada has announced new initiatives aimed at combating criminal offences under federal statutes, including the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (CFPOA).
Strengthening International Cooperation
To combat international corruption cases, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) has established a subject-matter expert position in Ottawa. This expert has developed linkages with key government agencies involved in enforcing the CFPOA, including:
- Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC)
- Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
Enhancing Public Awareness and Understanding
To ensure public awareness and understanding of money laundering and terrorist financing, FINTRAC is working to enhance its outreach efforts through various means, including:
- Operational Alerts
- Briefs and Assessments
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
Strengthening Domestic Capacity
The PPSC is providing training to designated contacts in each of its regional offices to ensure a consistent approach to prosecuting CFPOA offences. These contacts will act as local points of contact and coordinators for CFPOA matters.
Promoting Responsible Business Practices
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) is playing a key role in representing Canada at international anti-corruption forums and coordinating the country’s whole-of-government approach to meeting its international anti-corruption obligations. GAC’s personnel are working closely with Canadian companies operating abroad to promote responsible business practices and ensure compliance with the CFPOA.
Addressing Corruption through International Assistance Programs
Canada is also committed to addressing corruption through its international assistance programs, which focus on supporting gender equality, inclusive governance, and transparency in developing countries. For example:
- Canada has funded Transparency International’s IMPACT project, which aims to empower civil society organizations to fight corruption and improve public institutions’ policy and practice.
Commitment to Combating Corruption
“These new initiatives demonstrate our commitment to combating criminal offences under federal statutes, including the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act,” said the Attorney General of Canada. “We are working closely with key government agencies and international partners to ensure that we are taking a comprehensive approach to addressing corruption and promoting transparency and accountability.”
The Attorney General’s office will continue to monitor the progress of these initiatives and provide updates as necessary.