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 actively working to increase the participation of Indigenous businesses in federal procurement.
Note: A separate QP card on identifying diverse firms covers the issue of self-identification of Indigenous firms
The global nature of supply chains puts procurements at the potential risk of the goods having been produced using forced labour and human trafficking.
Note: All questions regarding the import prohibition of goods that are mined, manufactured or produced by forced labour should be directed to the Minister of Public Safety, as the Minister responsible for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Supermax forced labour allegations is now a standalone QP note
Public Services and Procurement Canada’s (PSPC) 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 (GGS). The department is also achieving results toward zero plastics.
Budget 2019 provided funding for the replacement of the Alexandra Bridge, 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 6th interprovincial crossing in the National Capital Region and developing a Long-term Integrated Interprovincial Crossings Plan.
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is delivering on the Government of Canada’s commitments to increase the diversity of bidders on government contracts.
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.