Each year, the World Bank releases a list of firms and individuals deemed ineligible to be awarded a World Bank-financed contract due to the companies having been sanctioned under the Bank’s anti-fraud and corruption policy. The current list is comprised of over 600 companies, which were listed either as a result of a World Bank investigation or cross-debarment under the Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions, and international agreement between regional financial watchdogs regarding mutual enforcement mechanisms.
The list has grown markedly this year, with over 250 companies being added in 2013 – more than four times the number added in 2012, and more than the total number added in the previous seven years. Unfortunately, 117 of the added firms were Canadian, resulting in global media outlets being quick to label Canada as home to some of the most corrupt companies in the world.
Comparatively, the total number of firms and individuals debarred by country in 2013 is as follows:
#1 Canada: 119
#2 United States: 46
#3 Indonesia: 43
#4 United Kingdom: 40
By Michael Nowina and Bonnie Tsui (articling student)