OTTAWA - Eight Quebec companies are facing criminal charges in an alleged bid-rigging scheme involving ventilation contracts in Montreal residential highrise projects.
Competition Bureau Canada has announced charges have been laid against the companies and five individuals.
The bureau says in a release it has uncovered evidence that suggests the companies co-ordinated bids to predetermine winners of contracts.
Investigators allege there is evidence of criminal activity in five competitive bidding tenders between 2003 and 2005 worth an estimated $8 million.
Under the Competition Act, it is a criminal offence for two or more bidders to collude or predetermine a contract winner.
Penalties for bid-rigging can include a fine determined by the court and even a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
