“The relationship between the PM and the justice minister may not have reached a breaking point, but it seemed already doomed. SNC-Lavalin dropped in the middle of this political breakdown and jurisdictional fight”
Lawrence Stevenson’s Inside SNC-Lavalin plays out like an espionage thriller, weaving high-level politics, deceit and corruption into a compelling narrative.
The book details how a multinational engineering giant, bombarded with bribery and smuggling allegations, fought to survive amid intense financial and political pressures. Stevenson delivers a unique perspective that challenges the conventional narrative familiar to most Canadians and international media consumers. Moving past the immediate criminal charges, he explores the nuances of a company willing to completely restructure itself against all odds to safeguard its future, and that of thousands of Quebec pensioners.
As a board member during this tumultuous era, Stevenson provides a rare look inside the corporate mechanics behind SNC-Lavalin’s dramatic rise, fall, and subsequent resurgence. Written with extreme detail from the perspective of an insider looking to explain what those fighting to save the company tried to do, the book documents the company’s internal and external struggles to restore its reputation as a premier Canadian institution.
Central to Inside SNC-Lavalin is the argument that the Canadian legal system targeted the firm in a manner unprecedented among other leading Western nations.
Despite successful lobbying by the board of directors to introduce a Deferred Prosecution Agreement in Ottawa (known locally as a Remediation Agreement and already a welcomed practice across other Commonwealth nations) Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould refused to engage on those terms. Inside SNC-Lavalin goes beyond the headlines to argue that this refusal was fundamentally political. Stevenson contends that Crown prosecutors were more interested in making an example of the corporation than in holding specific individuals responsible and helping one of Canada’s few global enterprises rebuild its foundation.
For anyone eager to peek behind the corporate veil and observe the motivations, personalities, and intense desire required to propel a major company forward, Inside SNC-Lavalin serves as a compelling starting point. It’s a highly accessible-read that effectively navigates complex topics. Styled like a political drama, this book will appeal to anyone curious about the sprawling saga that dominated national headlines for so long. Inside SNC-Lavalin should be on the list of anyone who values a contrarian perspective that contributes to a holistic understanding of the largest disaster in this storied Canadian company’s history.
Key takeaways:
- Business and politics will always be intertwined. When there are forces beyond a company’s control, its best course of action is to react with patience and confidence. A company that perseveres in the face of adversity will always have a chance for success, no matter what forces are pushing against it.
- The line between good business and breaking the law can be extremely thin, reiterating the need for strong internal values. A company’s best defence against internal corruption is an offensive compliance department that tackles problems before they arise.
- A company is more than the sum of its parts, more than any individual, and yet the actions of a few can dictate so much about its path toward success or failure. With the right motivation, and individual efforts, a company can position itself back on the trajectory to growth.
What I loved about the book:
- Instantly engaging and portrays the story as a drama with twists, turns and unique characters.
- Offers a deep dive into the inner workings of multinational corporations at the Board of Directors level.
- Offers a unique perspective that defies the standard narrative.
What you didn’t love about the book/could be better:
- Somewhat biased as the book holds its one perspective close and doesn’t lean into diverse perspectives.
Who should read the book?
This book is ideal for beginners looking to learn more about how corporations are governed in Canada. It’s written for all readers and covers topics that are easily understandable.
Final verdict:
I would highly recommend this book because it’s written in a manner that’s accessible to all and covers complicated topics in an accessible way. Whether you’re involved in business, politics or simply interested in these topics, this book should appeal to you. Each chapter covers the crucially important features of each step along the SNC-Lavalin saga, without going into unnecessary detail. Readers looking for a light book with engaging topics and compelling characters should rush to find Inside SNC-Lavalin.
