Can Jacques Duchesneau Stop Construction Price-Fixing

Once again Jacques Duchesneau has landed an important position, this time as head of an anti-collusion unit set up by Quebec Transport Minster Julie Boulet. The unit will review contracts to make sure that bids are no longer rigged in relation to public construction projects.

The question remains open as to whether such a unit can be successful and whether Mr. Duchesneau is the right man for the job.

Many years ago in a steak-house in South Florida, Jacques admitted to me that he'd be leaving his position as chief of the Montreal Police force to pursue a career in politics. At the time, he was at the top of his career and I asked why he'd risk such a secure and important job for the fickle business of politics.

He and another senior officer seated at the table couldn't contain themselves and burst out laughing. It was then when I learned about the 'Cadillac' pension plan that they and the rest of the police force enjoy.

They explained to me, that once an officer hits a certain age and had a certain number of years on the force, he could essentially retire with benefits that equalled about 75% - 85% of their yearly take home pay. For those officers who joined the force out of high school, it means that they could take retirement in their early fifties! 

Yikes! An 80% pension at 50-55, no wonder they retire! I commented that if senior officers avail themselves of this option, the effect was to rob the police force of it's most experienced talent. 

"What about you?" I asked the other officer (who I won't name). "Two more years and I'm gone. Working for 20% of your salary isn't that exciting!"

Losing Duchesneau and other highly ranked officers at the top of their game was a blow to the city and it seems that the city of Montreal has learned it's lesson. When it's current police chief Yvan Delorme, became eligible for retirement they made him an offer to stay on, that he couldn't refuse, a $400,000 bonus!  Some system!

I had worked with Jacques for about two years as we served on the board of directors (He was president) of a large Quebec volunteer organization and it was there where I witnessed his forte - delegation. Jacques was always on the lookout for talent and people who he could get to do the work for him (me, among others.) Jacques is a shameless self-promoter, but one of the best, and he gets things done.

After leaving the police with his juicy pension,  he ran for mayor of the city of Montreal and lost rather badly to Pierre Bourque. It was during this campaign that he came face to face with the reality of the corruption in Montreal politics. Jacques wasn't about to make any sleazy deals or accept any dirty money from promoters and construction industry czars. He blamed his loss on his honest campaign and remained furious at the crooks who controlled city hall.

As  a double-dipper extrodinaire, he went on to run CATSA, the Federal agency that screens passengers in all of Canada's major airports and left the agency in 2008. He is much in demand as a consultant and speaker and advises various international agencies on security matters.

His record is impeccable and he is incorruptible. He also loathes organized crime and it is something he is passionate about. Another thing, he isn't intimidated or afraid.

I know that his appointment came directly from Premier Charest and although nobody in the press is excited about the appointment (they are too busy playing up the demand for a public inquiry) it may just be what the doctor ordered, a crime-fighting Eliot Ness type to take on the crooks and those who benefit from corruption in the halls of power.

Those who have played the crooked price-fixing game have much to fear. The usual method of getting over a problem (with bribes) just won't work.

I think the Premier got it right on this appointment and given the right tools and the personnel, the problem of collusion can be tackled rather quickly.