Question Period Notes
About this information
In accordance with the Access to Information Act, the government proactively publishes the package of question period notes that were prepared by a government institution for the minister and that were in use on the last sitting day in June and December.
The question period notes may be partially or fully redacted in accordance with the legislation; for example, if the notes contain information related to national security or personal information. (Learn more about exemptions and exclusions.)
If you find a question period note of interest, you may make an access to information request in order to obtain it.
Public Services and Procurement Canada is implementing the Long Term Vision and Plan, a multi-decade strategy to restore and modernize the Parliamentary Precinct.
On October 21, 2024, the Auditor General wrote to the Speaker of the House of Commons to inform the House that her office will conduct a performance audit on all payments and government contracts awarded to GCStrategies.
The Government of Canada’s is pursuing its efforts to investigate and deter fraudulent billing by sub-contractors for suppliers on professional services contracts. Since March, Public Services and Procurement Canada has disclosed a total of seven cases that have been referred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (i.e., three cases in March, one older case in July when charges were laid, and three cases on November 6th).
On September 13, 2024, an article by CBC News reported the General Purpose Sleeping Bag System was unsuitable and did not provide sufficient warmth while on winter exercises.
Changes in Procurement Services in Response to the Procurement Ombud’s and Auditor General’s Reports
On November 2, 2022, a motion was passed by the House of Commons that called on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada to conduct a performance audit on ArriveCAN, including on contracts and subcontracts, as well as payments under those contracts.
Reports resulting from a review carried out by the Office of the Procurement Ombud and an audit conducted by the Office of the Auditor General were tabled on January 29, 2024, and February 12, 2024, respectively. The reports highlight serious concerns regarding project management and offer recommendations pertaining to procurement, specifically with regard to professional services.
The National Shipbuilding Strategy is a long-term commitment to renew the vessel fleets of the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard, create a sustainable marine sector, and generate economic benefits for Canadians.
Notes:
- Questions on budget, requirements, timelines, international comparisons, and project management should be directed to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard or the Minister of National Defence
- Questions related to Canadian sanctions against Russia should be directed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Following a recent data request from the Standing Committee on Public Accounts for a “list of government employees that also work as contractors,” consolidated data was provided to Standing Committee on Public Accounts through Treasury Board Secretariat’s Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer, with departments each providing information for their respective employees.
To support the Government’s commitments outlined in Our North, Strong and Free, a review of Canada’s Defence Procurement System was launched.
Notes:
- Questions on specific defence projects and capabilities should be directed to the Minister of National Defence
- Questions related to economic benefits, the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy and Canada’s defence industry should be directed to the Minister Innovation, Science and Industry
Public Services and Procurement Canada is working to modernize and simplify procurement.
The Office of Supplier Integrity and Compliance supports the Government’s ability to identify suppliers of concern and take appropriate action to mitigate the risk they pose.