BRANDON, MAN. — The Competition Bureau recently announced the Public Prosecution Service of Canada has filed a preferred indictment against five contractors in Brandon, Man.
The contractors are alleged to have conspired to divide up contracts amongst themselves for social housing units.
Geoff Gregoire, Guy Pringle, James Kauk, Ryan Lamont and Doug Gunnarson have each been charged under the Criminal Code with conspiracy to commit fraud over $5,000, and under the Competition Act for conspiracy to allocate contracts. None of the accusations have been proven in court.
The contracts were valued at approximately $4.5 million.
“Manipulating contracts to suppress competition is a serious crime. It results in higher costs for construction projects and is especially concerning when it comes to affordable housing. Cracking down on cartels is a top priority for the Competition Bureau, and we are determined to pursue all those who collude to increase their profits by defrauding public funds,” commissioner of competition Matthew Boswell said in a statement.
The charges stem from a bureau investigation that found evidence the accused individuals allegedly manipulated at least 89 contracts awarded by the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation between approximately December 2011 and February 2016, a release stated.
The bureau acknowledged it had received extensive assistance from the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation as well as the Brandon Police Service during its investigation.
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