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 (PSPC) is implementing the Long Term Vision and Plan (LTVP) – a multi-decade strategy to restore and modernize the Parliamentary Precinct.
Note: Questions related to a National Space for Indigenous Peoples should be directed to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs as the federal lead on this initiative.
Canada Post continues to provide a vital service to Canadians under difficult circumstances, with employees continuing to operate in the field delivering parcels. Canada Post continues to do everything possible to continue its service while keeping the health and safety of its staff as its number one priority.
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, there have been reports of wrongdoing and fraudulent activity associated with the procurement of PPE from around the world. 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.
On behalf of Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) issued a National Master Standing Offer (NMSO) to Nuctech Inc., a Chinese state-owned company, for x-ray screening equipment for use in non-operational areas in Canadian missions abroad.
Prior to COVID-19, the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) National Emergency Strategic Stockpile (NESS) warehouse network was comprised of [redacted] warehouses totalling approximately 167,000 square feet. This included [redacted] warehouses (119,000 square feet) and [redacted] regional warehouses (48,000 square feet). The amount and volume of personal protective equipment (PPE) ordered in response to the pandemic was well beyond PHAC’s capacity to receive and store. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has supported PHAC by entering into service contracts and leases to provide with additional warehousing capacity.
Recent questions have been raised about domestic contracting for ventilators.
The global nature of supply chains puts procurements at potential risk of having been produced using forced labour and human trafficking.
A large proportion of the public service has transitioned to working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Government offices remain open and many clients’ preparations for eventual return to the workplace are underway, guided by regional public health agencies. However, with Canada entering the second wave of the COVID-19 virus and confirmed cases increasing across the country, there may be a heightened concern about how confirmed cases are being communicated to Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) building occupants.
Note: Questions on employees returning to the workplace should be responded to by the President of the Treasury Board, as the employer.
Suggested responses and background information is provided on defence and marine procurement accomplishments.
Note: Questions on defence procurement delays or the Department of National Defence (DND) order paper questions should be directed to the Minister of National Defence.
Due to COVID-19, several defence procurement projects slowed, including the construction and maintenance of ships.
Note: All questions related to Challenger Jets should be referred to the Minister of National Defence.