February 7, 2007
GATINEAU – The Honourable Vic Toews, President of the
Treasury Board, today announced that tougher new penalties and sanctions for
fraud involving taxpayers' money will come into force on March 1, 2007. The
measures are part of the government's ongoing commitment to implement the Federal
Accountability Act, which received Royal Assent on December 12, 2006.
Minister Toews made the announcement in a speech to the International Congress
on Ethics in Gatineau, Quebec.
"Canadians expect the highest standards of integrity when it comes to
the management and use of taxpayers' money," said Minister Toews.
"Bringing these measures into force will ensure that the few who abuse this
trust and commit fraud will be subject to prosecution and tough penalties."
"The government is moving quickly to bring all of the provisions of the Federal
Accountability Act into force," Minister Toews added. "This
sweeping legislation has been a top priority. Our commitment to
accountability will continue as we move forward on implementation."
The new measures toughen and expand on offences in the Financial
Administration Act and Criminal Code. The Financial
Administration Act was amended to add an offence of fraud involving public
funds in departments. This new indictable offence will carry a maximum penalty
of five years of imprisonment for fraud of $5,000 or less, and a maximum penalty
of 14 years for fraud over $5,000. The amendments also create a similar offence
for fraud involving money in Crown corporations.
Individuals convicted of these offences or convicted of the Criminal Code
offence of fraud against the Crown will be automatically dismissed from
employment in the government or in a Crown corporation, and will be barred from
contracting with the government or benefiting from a government contract.
Further information on the Federal Accountability Act and Action
Plan is available at www.accountability.gc.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Mark Quinlan
Press Secretary
Office of the President of the Treasury Board
(613) 957-2666
Robert Makichuk
Chief, Media Relations
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
(613) 957-2391
If there is a discrepancy between any printed version and the
electronic version of this news release, the electronic version will prevail.
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