Dear Editor,
SNC Lavalin was once considered one of the world’s top engineering firms, and here in Canada, it is considered a “crown jewel” company in Quebec. Controlling large construction projects in Canada, such as their reputation-building hydroelectric dam in Quebec, they employ up to 8,500 Canadian workers, but they are used to controversy and bribery scandals around the globe.
Since 2001 to 2011, they were involved with construction projects in Libya and illegal dealings with dictator Muammar Gadhaf. An ex-senior executive pleaded guilty in Switzerland to charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering.
The World Bank barred them from bidding on global contracts due to bribes paid to the Gadhafi government. Riadh Ben Aissa admitted in court that he bribed Saadi Gadhafi, one of Muammar’s sons, in order to gain construction contracts in Libya.
In 2011, SNC employee Cyndy Vanier, whose job it was to facilitate travel from country to country, was arrested in Mexico as part of a plot to smuggle Gadhafi’s family members out of the country.
In 2013, she sued SNC, Riadh Ben Aissa and Stephane Roy for trying to hide behind her legitimate work with the company. She claimed the plot was to get the Gadhafi family into Canada.
Here in Canada, three executives were charged for bribery in relation to McGill University Health Centre. Former CEO Pierre Duhaime pled guilty in this case.
This is the reputation of the “crown jewel” of Canadian engineering.
This is the major Quebec financial contributor to the Liberal party that Justin Trudeau feels he must protect against the actions of the RCMP’s International division, who in 2015 brought corruption and bribery charges against SNC Lavalin because of evidence they had uncovered. This case is still in the courts.
With the goal of dropping these charges, a multi-faceted campaign began against ex-Justice Minister and Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould to stay the criminal proceedings without viewing the RCMP evidence.
Wilson-Raybould has already received punitive damages from the Prime Minister’s office as she was demoted from a higher office into a lower one.
Is all this outstanding proof that the Liberal Party will do anything to ensure the enduring protection of Quebec businesses against the lawful welfare of the rest of Canada?
Will this end in a lawsuit like Brian Mulroney used against Canada?
It is a typical response to these unlawful actions, but we Canadians cannot tarnish reputations without ultimate proof.
W. Krechuniak
Barrhead
