In 2019, Canada’s Federal Court denied SNC-Lavalin Group Inc.’s appeal against prosecutors’ decision to proceed with criminal charges. Justice Catherine Kane ruled the company’s review application "had no reasonable prospect of success," according to court documents.
The Montreal-based firm faces allegations of bribing Libyan officials between 2001 and 2011 to secure contracts. SNC-Lavalin has sought a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA), citing reforms to compliance systems and executive changes since the alleged misconduct.
The case triggered political turmoil in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government. Senior officials faced scrutiny over alleged efforts to influence the attorney general to avoid a trial, leading to resignations including former Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould.
A conviction could bar SNC-Lavalin from government contracts for a decade, risking Quebec jobs—a key Liberal region. Trudeau emphasized job protection, stating the attorney general retains authority over DPA decisions.
SNC-Lavalin shares fell 0.62% during midday trading as preliminary hearings continued.
