Written by Wendy Berman and Jonathan Wansbrough, authors of the Canada chapter of the International Investigations Review 2014, this primer provides a comprehensive overview of Canada's foreign corrupt practices regime including recent developments, cases of note and risk mitigation strategies for transactions and the engagement of third party agents.

The release of this primer coincides with a number of high profile prosecutions and increased government and prosecutorial attention on violations of the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (CFPOA) - the principal Canadian statute designed to combat corruption and bribery of foreign public officials in international business transactions. This increased attention follows amendments in 2013, which significantly increased the scope of Canada's jurisdiction to prosecute violations of the CFPOA, increased the maximum length of imprisonment to 14 years and created a new books and records offence.

An investigation or prosecution against a business entity, or a single individual within or associated with that entity, can be very costly and cause significant business disruption and reputational damage. Accordingly, corporations and their directors, officers and advisors must pay attention to these recent developments and ensure that they have the proper procedures in place to mitigate risk and prevent and detect foreign corrupt practices.

Be aware, get prepared, reduce risk and take action! Start with A Primer on Canada's Foreign Anti-Corruption Enforcement Regime by Cassels Brock.

Download our primer here.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.