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.)
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Public Services and Procurement Canada is working with Health Canada to support the design of the new Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Note:
All questions regarding the collaboration with provincial and territorial partners and the design of the program should be directed to Health Canada
There has been recent media attention on federal government spending on professional services contracts, noting a 40% increase between fiscal years 2015-16 and 2020-21.
There has been recent media and Parliamentary attention related to contracts awarded to McKinsey & Company.
Note:
All questions related to McKinsey’s work on Robotic Process Automation and Accelerator Services are in a separate question period note (Phoenix IBM and pay stabilization)
The Translation Bureau (the Bureau) supports hybrid sittings of Parliament by providing interpretation services, among other things. Since the start of the pandemic, the Bureau has implemented several measures to protect the health and safety of interpreters. Despite the measures put in place and expert studies, sound-related incidents continue to occur occasionally. The Office continues to face capacity issues that impact parliamentary committee meetings. These issues have been the subject of numerous discussions during parliamentary committee meetings and exchanges with the International Association of Conference Interpreters – Canada region. The interpretation profession is in great shortage in Canada and throughout the world.
On November 7, 2023, the Government of Canada announced that 6 surplus federal properties will be developed into more than 2,800 new homes in Calgary, Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador and Ottawa, Ontario.
Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Crown-owned building portfolio (excluding housing) is achieving results in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and towards becoming net-zero carbon, in response to the Greening Government Strategy. The department is also achieving results toward zero plastic waste.
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 Moscow should be directed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Budget 2019 provided funding for the replacement of the Alexandra Bridge, and the rehabilitation and ongoing maintenance of the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge and the Chaudière Crossing. It also provided direction for refreshing technical studies on a potential additional interprovincial crossing in the National Capital Region and developing a Long-Term Integrated Interprovincial Crossings Plan.
The post-pandemic environment represents an opportunity to incorporate new workplace arrangements and ensure more efficient use of the office portfolio while also increasing accessibility and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Studies conducted prior to the pandemic indicated that 40% of Public Services and Procurement Canada’s space was underutilized.
Media reports have focused on the year-over-year increase in general outsourcing by federal departments. A Globe and Mail article recently reported the federal government hired KMPG consultants to provide managing consulting advice.