The Empire Club of Canada
Hybrid
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Corruption costs the world economy around US$5 trillion each year, the equivalent of 5% of global GDP, according to Transparency International. This widespread issue hinders economic growth, deepens inequality, and siphons funds from essential public services like education and healthcare.
While many view corruption as a government issue, businesses can’t afford to ignore the risks. Organizations that neglect these risks not only risk reputational damage but can also face financial penalties, regulatory scrutiny, and potential legal complications. Both businesses and governments have a vested interest in fighting corruption – and this event is crucial for businesses to learn about how to protect themselves and maintain compliance.
Is worldwide corruption on the rise?
On May 6, 2025, join us at the Empire Club of Canada to find out! This insightful discussion will feature key business leaders and experts on the critical role of the private sector in combatting corruption.
Our panel will explore the potential impact of changes in U.S. policies, such as eliminating beneficial owner disclosure and the Trump administration’s decision to halt enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act — which has been the linchpin of global anti-corruption efforts — on Canadian businesses operating in the U.S. and abroad.
The event will also cover new international anti-corruption initiatives, how the private sector can support them, and provide insights on identifying red flags of corruption and money laundering, as well as enhancing due diligence on customers’ wealth sources.
Panelists include Hentie Dirker, Chief ESG and Integrity Officer at AtkinsRéalis; Peter German, President of the International Centre for Criminal Law Reform; Allan Rock, World Refugee & Migration Council Member and former Minister of Justice & Attorney General of Canada, and moderated by Rita Trichur of The Globe and Mail.
The results of a public opinion survey by Angus Reid Institute on the prevalence of corruption in Canada will be shared at the event, and an action plan for the private sector will provide a unique perspective on how businesses can safeguard their operations and reputation.
Rita Trichur is an award-winning journalist. She is a Senior Business Writer and Columnist in the Report on Business. Her previous roles at The Globe and Mail include Senior Editor, Financial Services Editor, and Canadian business columnist for the Report on Business Magazine. Rita returned to Globe in July 2016 after spending about 2 ½ years as a reporter for The Wall Street Journal’s Canada bureau. She primarily covered domestic banks and insurance companies from Toronto, but also wrote a variety of other stories about Canada for the U.S. newspaper.
Dr. Hentie Dirker is the Chief ESG and Integrity Officer at AtkinsRéalis and is responsible for the firm’s overall ESG compliance posture having the goal of creating ESG and Compliance programs recognized as benchmark within the sectors where the company operates. Dr. Dirker is a past chair of the board of directors for the Ethics Centre of Canada, an organization dedicated to promoting and maintaining an ethical orientation and culture in Canadian organizations. He currently participates in various anti-bribery and corruption working groups and think tanks and is passionate about promoting best practice sharing between organizations.
Dr. Peter German, QC, is President of the International Center for Criminal Law Reform. A lawyer and member of the Ontario and British Columbia bars, he served as the RCMP’s Director General Financial Crime and Deputy Commissioner (West), and later Deputy Commissioner (Pacific) for Correctional Service Canada. He has various degrees including a Doctorate in Law from the University of London, focused on asset recovery. In addition to investigating and managing high profile money laundering and corruption cases, Dr. German has taught at universities and colleges and is the author of a legal text on proceeds of crime, published in 1998 and updated bi-monthly. He is also the author of Dirty Money reports prepared for the Attorney General of B.C., relating to allegations of money laundering in B.C.’s casino, real estate, and other sectors.
Allan Rock is the president emeritus and was until 2022 a professor of law at the University of Ottawa. A former trial lawyer, he entered politics in 1993 and spent 10 years as a federal cabinet minister in the Justice, Health, Industry and Infrastructure portfolios. Allan was Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations between 2003 and 2006 and the president of the University of Ottawa from 2008 to 2016.
