Evidence of meeting #38 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 varin.
A recording is available from Parliament.
9 a.m.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
And Bernard Côté was employed by Minister Michael Fortier at the time?
9:05 a.m.
President, LM Sauvé
That occurred at another meeting at the same restaurant, where he clearly indicated there was a problem, namely the barrier in the legislation governing unions which prevents trade between Quebec and Ontario. He also said that steps would be taken to ensure that Quebec companies would be invited more often to carry out work on Parliament Hill.
9:05 a.m.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
In other words, he told you that if you helped him, you would be given contracts.
9:05 a.m.
President, LM Sauvé
He said that things were going to change on Parliament Hill and with the arrival of the Conservative government, it would be possible to secure contracts, yes.
9:05 a.m.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
So he told you that under the Conservatives, Quebec would have its fair share and you would have your contract.
9:05 a.m.
Liberal
9:05 a.m.
President, LM Sauvé
No, we weren't talking philosophy. Mr. Varin was clearly at the centre of that fund raising.
9:05 a.m.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
When you paid the $140,000, was that a kickback, as far as you were concerned?
9:05 a.m.
President, LM Sauvé
Mr. Varin kept repeating that he walked through the halls of Parliament and Montreal City Hall with felt boots. It seems to me you would have to be a complete fool not to think that there could be money being passed around here and there. So, yes, I assumed there was probably money being distributed.
9:05 a.m.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
In Marie-Maude Denis' story on Radio-Canada, you talked about $140,000, but you also said you had given a $70,000 bonus. In other words, because you got the contract, there was an additional amount paid.
9:05 a.m.
President, LM Sauvé
In actual fact, the agreement that Mr. Varin proposed included a $25,000 bonus for making the shortlist, and $275,000 for securing the contract, throughout that contract.
9:05 a.m.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
That's a new number. It was $140,000 for the work as a whole, plus $275,000.
9:05 a.m.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
If he says he only received $118,00, I guess that's because you were not satisfied with his services?
9:05 a.m.
President, LM Sauvé
The fact is that, despite his huge networks, Mr. Varin doesn't deliver. We had major problems at Montreal City Hall. His contacts are not just enough. The same thing applies to Parliament Hill. If you ask me, it's a phony organization.
9:05 a.m.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
So, it was through Mr. Varin that you expected to secure the contract for the Montreal City Hall and here.
9:05 a.m.
President, LM Sauvé
Mr. Varin was under contract, and was making an effort to secure both.