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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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.
Media have reported on construction costs, and their associated studies for the official residence of the Governor General of Canada. The National Capital Commission (NCC) works with the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General (OSGG) to implement building works at Rideau Hall.
PSPC entered into a contract with Medicom on April 26th 2020 to supply Canada with 20M N95 masks annually, to be manufactured in Canada. Medicom has commenced production of masks but delivery was contingent on two approvals: first, receiving Health Canada Interim Order approval, and secondly, receiving respirator quality assessment testing approval from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). On October 30th 2020, Medicom confirmed to Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) that Health Canada had approved their Interim Order application for their N95 respirators. On November 13th 2020, Medicom received Quality Assessment testing approval from PHAC.
The Government of Canada has created a COVID-19 Supply Council which brings together a diverse group of leaders to provide the government with advice on the procurement of critical goods and services required as part of Canada’s COVID-19 response and recovery.
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 2017 to permanently replace Canada’s fighter fleet with 88 advanced jets—the Future Fighter Capability Project.
Notes:
- All questions related to capability gap, security and interoperability requirements, costs, and Canada’s participation in the Joint Strike Fighter Program 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 (ISED)
- All questions related to trade issues should be answered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Government of Canada is operationalizing the Essential Services Contingency Reserve (ESCR) to provide essential services workers with access to personal protective equipment (PPE), non-medical masks and disinfection products to meet urgent, short-term needs.