Question Period Notes
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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.)
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On September 23, 2021, SNC-Lavalin Inc. and SNC-Lavalin International Inc. were charged with a number of offences under the Criminal Code of Canada, including fraud on the government and forgery, which are listed offences under the Integrity Regime. In response to these charges, the Registrar of Ineligibility and Suspension (the Registrar) entered into discussion with SNC regarding their status under the Ineligibility and Suspension Policy. On May 11, 2022, the Quebec Superior Court approved a remediation agreement between Quebec prosecutors and the company, effectively staying the September 2021 charges. Shortly after this, the Registrar signed an administrative agreement with the company under the Integrity Regime to allow the company to continue to participate in federal procurements while mitigating the risks to the Government of Canada.
Note: All questions regarding the remediation agreement should be referred to the Bureau du Directeur des poursuites criminelles et pénales (DPCP) in Quebec
In a recent case, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) conducted an investigation, which revealed that from January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, a sub-contracted private sector consultant worked for multiple Government of Canada departments and agencies, through eight different contracted private sector companies. The consultant submitted falsified timesheets which resulted in the Government of Canada being overbilled [Redacted].
On May 4, 2022, the Department of National Defence announced delays in the Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue (SAR) project. The CC295 Kingfisher fleet of aircraft, that will eventually replace existing SAR aircraft, still require significant work, tests, and trials before entering into Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) service. As a result, Initial Operational Capability (IOC) has been delayed from 2022 to 2025-2026.
The new fleet of modern aircraft is equipped with technologically advanced systems and will be able to perform in Canada’s harsh search and rescue environment; one of the most challenging and diverse landscapes in the world.
Note: All questions related to Initial and Full Operational Capabilities, capability gap, security, interoperability requirements and costs should be answered by the Minister of National Defence
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is the federal government’s administrator of real property and is responsible for approximately 6 million square metres (m²) of rentable office space across Canada. Studies undertaken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic showed that existing office space was underutilized by at least 40%, and considered inefficient with annual operating and maintenance costs of approximately $2.4 billion.
By enabling a hybrid model of work, PSPC has an opportunity to optimize and modernize the portfolio, transform the public service, stimulate regional economies, increase inclusivity and accessibility, support reconciliation, and contribute significantly to the greening efforts of the Government of Canada.
The Official Residences of Canada: 2021 Asset Portfolio Condition Report was released by the National Capital Commission (NCC) on June 23, 2021, and identified a requirement for a one-time injection of $175 million over 10 years to address the deferred maintenance deficit for all 6 official residences.
As part of the Government of Canada’s reaffirmed commitment to invest in Canada’s military, as announced in the 2017 Defence Policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government launched an open and transparent competition in December 2020 to replace Canada’s CC-150 Polaris fleet—the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) Project.
Notes:
- All questions related to capability gap, security, interoperability requirements and costs should be answered by the Minister of National Defence
- All questions related to the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy and the assessment of bidders’ impact on Canada’s economic interests should be answered by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
In 2017, with Public Services and Procurement Canada’s (PSPC) support, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) put in place sole-sourced leases with companies owned by Pierre Guay, due to the location of the property, to help accommodate an increase in asylum seekers at the St-Bernard-de-Lacolle border crossing. When asked by La Presse in a media call received in October 2021, CBSA did not disclose the value of the leases, citing confidentiality reasons. Mr. Guay is characterized in a La Presse article as a supporter of the Liberal Party of Canada.
A number of agreements have been concluded with Mr. Guay (e.g. lease for office space, land lease, contracts for use of the hotel adjacent to the border crossing), and various requests (media and access to information) were made concerning these agreements. As PSPC negotiated the leases on behalf of the CBSA, it responded to the reporter’s queries.
In the fast-paced and constantly evolving marketplace to secure necessary products and supplies to support the Government of Canada’s response to the pandemic, questions may arise as to the measures that Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has in place to protect the integrity of the federal procurement system during this period.
Note: When we reference Canada Post, we are referring the Canada Post segment and not the group of companies that includes subsidiaries
In support of local communities in the National Capital Region, and in alignment with federal legislation, the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) pays its fair share of Payments In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to various municipalities where it owns real property on behalf of the Crown.