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published
SEPTEMBER
19,
2011 |
Norton
Rose
launches
new
Canadian
business
ethics
and
anti-corruption
team |
International legal practice Norton Rose OR
LLP launched its new Canadian business ethics and
anti-corruption team today. It will help clients navigate
the increasingly complex rules that apply to companies doing
business in Canada and in other countries around the world.
The practice team is comprised of seasoned professionals
that have decades of experience serving Canadian and
international clients in this rapidly evolving area. Team
members come from regulatory, litigation, business,
financial institutions and global corporate social
responsibility practice areas.
Paul Conlin, partner and chair of the Canadian business
ethics and anti-corruption team said: “Canadian businesses
are now operating in an environment where there is an
increasing focus on business ethics and anti-corruption
issues. New legislation in key markets such as the UK is
having a major impact, as is greater scrutiny from
governments, shareholders, business partners and other
stakeholders. Ensuring compliance by employees and agents
operating in Canada and foreign countries can present
significant challenges for Canadian companies.”
The multi-disciplinary business ethics and anti-corruption
team has the experience and skills required to help clients
develop strategies and safeguards to meet and adapt to the
new global standards. These include:
Risk Assessments and Compliance Programs
Internal Investigations
Transactional Diligence
Litigation Services
Anti-Money Laundering Expertise
Canada has recently faced criticism for allegedly lax
enforcement of its anti-corruption and bribery laws. In May
2011 the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and
Development released a report that was sharply critical of
Canada's infrequent enforcement of the Corruption of Foreign
Public Officials Act (CFPOA). Enforcement activity has
recently increased sharply. For example, in late June, a
Canadian-based oil and natural gas company agreed to pay a
$9.5-million fine after pleading guilty to bribing a
Bangladeshi public official. There are currently over 20
other CFPOA investigations being conducted by the RCMP.
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