With a federal agreement last month that resolves seven years of illegal campaign contributions in Canada by former executives, Montreal-based design-construction giant SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. moves closer to final resolution of its past regime’s ethics issues that have dogged the firm for nearly five years. The firm still faces resolution of federal charges that could affect its status as a preferred government contractor. But many observers see a deal ahead and also note aggressive moves to boost global market share.
In the September deal, Canadian elections officials acknowledged SNC-Lavalin assistance in tracking down some $91,000 in illegal payments between 2004 and 2011. Canada’s two political parties have repaid the funds to the government treasury, with SNC-Lavalin waiving its right to the money. “Our cooperation … reflects the efforts and progress we have made in terms of ethics and compliance since 2012,” said Neil Bruce, the firm’s president and CEO.