Question Period Note: Public Accounts of Canada Report 2021-22

Can the Minister of Fisheries explain the costs associated to its equipment as reported in the 2021-22 Public Accounts?

• We are committed to the prudent management and use of taxpayer dollars.
• My department has robust and effective internal controls in place. The integrity of our financial systems is sound and in compliance with the Government of Canada’s policies.

• The Public Accounts of Canada’s annual report is prepared by the Receiver General for the Government of Canada, as required under section 64 of the Financial Administration Act. The report covers the financial transactions of the Government during the previous fiscal year. Each federal department and agency is responsible for reconciling its accounts and for maintaining detailed records of their financial transactions.
• It is anticipated that the Public Accounts of Canada 2021-22 report will be tabled in Parliament the week of October 17, 2022.

Damages, Losses and Claims – additional information
• The three most significant cases were:
o Estimated repair costs for breakwater damage in Bay de Verde (Newfoundland and Labrador) due to a severe storm event in January 2022—$1,050,000;
o Estimated repair costs for damage to rubble mound breakwater in Schooner Bay (British Columbia) due to a storm in November 2021—$400,000;
o Costs incurred for removal due to safety reasons of community stage and wharves in Little Paradise (Newfoundland and Labrador) after damage by Hurricane Larry in September 2021—$262,771.

Damages to Vessel CCGS Corporal McLaren
• There was one case involving losses of public property due to an offence or other illegal act that amounts to $14 million. This was a result of vandalism and sabotage to vessel CCGS Corporal McLaren while it was in a Nova Scotia dockyard awaiting a refit in November 2018. The matter is still under investigation.

If pressed on Damages, Losses and Claims
• As the Department operates in some of the harshest conditions, damages to vehicles, accidents at sea, losses, and damages to equipment can occur.
• My department works to ensure that any accidental destruction or damage to its properties is quickly evaluated and repaired to minimize the impact on our services to Canadians.
• Most material cases were caused by accidental destruction or damage to buildings and other real property.