SNC-Lavalin Construction pleaded guilty to a charge of fraud over $5,000, will pay a $280-million penalty and will be subject to a three-year probation order. The remaining charges were stayed.

The Montreal-based engineering and construction firm could see its revenue stream from federal contracts dry up if it's convicted on corruption charges.

An internal briefing note says the PMO ordered public consultations on the overall integrity regime and the possibility of introducing formal alternatives to prosecuting financial crimes.