Underground economy: Definition: (Shadow economy) Any construction activity which is substantially non-compliant with regard to license & permit requirements, tax obligations such as Canadian income tax, & sales taxes (GST, PST) workers compensation & corporate liability insurance. This case study serves as an opportunity to highlight the negative impact the underground economy (ue) contractor has upon licensed contractors (lc). Can you imagine the City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Parks Board doing business with the ue? Researchers will need to scroll to the bottom of this introduction to find the answer.