Individual pleads guilty to rigging bids for ventilation contracts in Montreal

From: Competition Bureau Canada

News Release

October 10, 2017 – OTTAWA, ON – Competition Bureau

Houmam Al Nashar, estimator for Les Industries Garanties Limitée, pleaded guilty today to one count of bid-rigging related to three condominium development projects in Montreal. Mr. Al Nashar agreed to do 50 hours of community service and collaborate with the Bureau as this matter progresses. 

Mr. Al Nashar admitted that he took part in an agreement with representatives of three competing firms to obtain a ventilation contract in the Faubourg St-Laurent Phase II project. He also admitted that he participated in two other agreements that sought to ensure competing firms would get contracts for two other projects: Le Roc Fleuri and Tour St-Antoine.

The trial of the remaining accused, including Mr. Al Nashar’s employer, Les Industries Garanties Limitée, is scheduled to start on October 16, 2017. 

To date, three companies, Les Entreprises Promécanic ltée, Climasol Inc., and 9201-2640 Québec Inc. and one other individual, Roch Raby, President of Climasol Inc., pleaded guilty for their participation in the bid-rigging scheme. A total of $705,000 in fines has been imposed by the courts in this matter.

Quick Facts

  • In December 2010, the Bureau laid charges against eight companies and five individuals after investigating allegations of bid-rigging for the installation of ventilation systems on high rise residential construction projects.  The total value of these tenders was approximately $8 million.

  • The four remaining accused in this bid-rigging matter are Lys Air Mécanic Inc. and its Vice-President France Sergerie, Les Industries Garanties Limitée and Yves Rousseau, president of Ventilex Inc.

  • Bid-rigging is a serious criminal offence that harms all Canadians by reducing competition. Consumers and companies have the right to expect a competitive market that encourages continuous innovation, greater efficiency, lower prices and high-quality products and services.

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