AMP Authorization and Business Integrity

AMP Authorization and Business Integrity

Business integrity is an essential condition for access to public contracts and subcontracts in Quebec. The regime administered by the Autorité des marchés publics imposes obligations on businesses, their directors, shareholders and related persons that may significantly affect their ability to participate in public procurement.

Julius Legal advises and represents businesses in their dealings with the Autorité des marchés publics, including obtaining or maintaining an authorization to contract, responding to requests for information, undergoing an integrity review and developing corrective measures.

Authorization to Contract with Public Bodies

A business must hold an authorization to contract when the value and category of a public contract or subcontract meet the applicable thresholds. An authorization may also be required by the conditions of a particular call for tenders or by a government decision.

Since April 2, 2026, an authorization to contract is valid for an indefinite period. The business must nevertheless comply with its obligations under the Act respecting contracting by public bodies, including filing its annual update and notifying the AMP of reportable changes.

Julius Legal assists businesses with matters including:

  • determining whether an authorization to contract is required;
  • preparing and submitting an application for authorization;
  • filing the required annual update;
  • assessing changes involving directors, shareholders, related persons or persons exercising control;
  • responding to requests for information and documents from the AMP;
  • preventing or challenging the suspension or revocation of an authorization.

Integrity Reviews by the AMP

The AMP may examine the integrity of a business, as well as that of its directors, officers, partners, shareholders and any person or entity exercising direct or indirect control over it. The review may concern the business’s history, governance, business relationships, financing arrangements, legal or de facto control and the conduct of related persons.

A request for information or notice from the AMP must be handled carefully. The answers provided, documents submitted and explanations concerning the business’s structure or practices may influence the outcome of the process.

Julius Legal helps clients identify the AMP’s concerns, organize the relevant evidence, prepare their representations and clearly explain the facts and the measures implemented by the business.

Corrective Measures, Governance and Compliance

When integrity concerns are identified, the AMP may impose corrective measures intended to raise the business’s level of integrity. Depending on the circumstances, these measures may concern governance, internal controls, compliance policies, training, the review of business partners and subcontractors, whistleblowing mechanisms or oversight of particular activities.

Julius Legal assists businesses in developing and presenting measures tailored to the issues raised. The firm helps them demonstrate that the proposed corrective measures are concrete, credible and capable of preventing the recurrence of the conduct at issue.

Registration in the RENA

Registration in the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts may prevent a business from entering into public contracts and subcontracts and may jeopardize the performance of existing contracts. The consequences may also affect its partners, subcontractors and commercial relationships.

When a business faces a potential refusal, suspension or revocation of its authorization, or possible registration in the RENA, early intervention can help preserve evidence, assess contractual consequences and present appropriate representations or corrective measures.

Advice Tailored to the Business

Mr. Kaufman has extensive experience in public procurement law, business integrity matters and the administrative and judicial proceedings that may result from them. He has been recognized since 2024 by Best Lawyers Canada in Public Procurement Law, a distinction based on peer review.

Julius Legal assists businesses proactively in complying with their obligations and reducing their risks, as well as in situations where an AMP decision threatens their continued access to public procurement opportunities.

For matters involving municipal contracts and Montreal’s Inspector General, see our page concerning municipal contracts and investigations by the BIG.