Evidence of meeting #34 for Government Operations and Estimates in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was sauvé.
A recording is available from Parliament.
9:05 a.m.
As an Individual
I don't know whether it was given to a PWGSC official. It's possible—I mentioned this earlier—that I gave the document, the presentation booklet, to Mr. Pichet. I don't remember whether I gave it to him, but that's possible. I gave it to no one else.
9:05 a.m.
Bloc
Diane Bourgeois Bloc Terrebonne—Blainville, QC
If I understand correctly, you're saying that the only person who could have given the presentation booklet to officials was Mr. Pichet.
9:05 a.m.
As an Individual
When Mr. Sauvé had his name put on the list of government suppliers, he forwarded all his documentation. His presentation was very good. He then submitted all his documentation to PWGSC. The officials no doubt received the CV at that time.
9:05 a.m.
Conservative
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Thanks to the witnesses for being here.
Mr. Varin, have you been a member of the Conservative Party since 2004?
9:05 a.m.
As an Individual
I was a member of the Conservative Party, but I haven't been a card-carrying member for a number of years now. However, I have monitored the party's activities on numerous occasions.
9:05 a.m.
Conservative
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC
That means that you were a member of the Progressive-Conservative Party in the 1980s and 1990s.
9:05 a.m.
As an Individual
I don't remember the last time I had a card. That's negligent on my part. However, if I had been informed that I had to renew my membership card, I would probably have done so, but I never received any correspondence on the matter.
9:05 a.m.
Conservative
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC
Have you previously held a membership card of the Liberal Party?
9:05 a.m.
As an Individual
No, I have never had a membership card of the Liberal Party.
9:05 a.m.
Conservative
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC
According to Elections Canada, you have made donations to the Liberal Party. It was $198 in 1999 and $433 in 2003, and you gave $400 to the Conservative Party in 2007.
9:05 a.m.
As an Individual
I obviously helped the Liberal Party MPs that I knew well. I remember very clearly going to a cocktail party for Mr. Coderre. I remember very clearly Mr. Denis Paradis, among others. I attended Mr. Chrétien's golf tournament twice, I believe. I went because it was for friends.
You know, outside politics—you are MPs, you know this—you make friends who don't necessarily have the same allegiance as you, who don't necessarily share the same opinion and you discuss that. You understand; that's life.
9:05 a.m.
Conservative
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC
I understand. Based on your vast experience, after 40 years in the business, you have friends from all parties, and that's good. You are a strategic consultant, and you must talk to virtually everyone.
It's reported in the media that you were a Conservative organizer. Can you clarify that? Have you previously received money from the Conservative Party for work?
9:10 a.m.
As an Individual
No, I've never received a cent from the Conservative Party. I've given it some money, but I've never received a cent from it. I organized things a few years ago, in the constituencies, at conferences, but I've organized nothing for the party in recent years.
9:10 a.m.
Conservative
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC
So you've never had a Conservative Party business card stating that you were a party organizer. You've always done it as a volunteer just as any Canadian would.
9:10 a.m.
Conservative
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC
Did you have good relations with Denis Coderre at the time you gave that party money?
9:10 a.m.
As an Individual
I've always had very good relations with Mr. Coderre. He comes from the same place I do and I've known him for many years. I like him very much.
9:10 a.m.
Conservative
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC
Did Mr. Coderre help you at times? Did he give you advice?
9:10 a.m.
As an Individual
No, I never worked with Mr. Coderre, but we often spoke. Obviously, Mr. Coderre has his opinions and I have mine. We can nevertheless have fun discussing various topics.
9:10 a.m.
Conservative
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC
Your extensive experience of more than 40 years has led you to spend time with a number of politicians. Has working with politicians from all parties been a pleasant experience? Or are you bitter instead because you have come before a parliamentary committee to rehash the past?
The media sometimes say things, but you may have to speak out to make your story known. What has been your personal experience with what has happened in recent months?
9:10 a.m.
As an Individual
As you'll understand, what has happened is not among the most pleasant things that can occur. It's especially difficult for the family is such a case. I believe I can accept responsibility for what I do and what I've done. As I have nothing to apologize for in this matter, I'm trying to correct the facts.
