Public Accounts committee  I actually don't have the answer to that question. I know it's a vehicle storage facility. Based on the pictures, it seems to be a one-storey building, but I have not visited it. The National Capital Commission could probably provide you with details about the building, its size, the number of floors, and so on.

Public Accounts committee  In that case, it must have multiple storeys. My understanding, based on publicly available information, is that the building serves a number of functions, including vehicle storage. It's a repair garage. It's equipment and tool storage. It's a workspace. My understanding is that the National Capital Commission uses this building for operational equipment to be able to manage the 79 acres of land at Rideau Hall, but in terms of how—

Public Accounts committee  The question would have to be answered by the National Capital Commission. I would be speculating. I would assume that if it's a garage.... If there is an elevator, it could be to move equipment up or down, potentially, but I'm really speculating. The National Capital Commission should be able to answer those questions for you.

Public Accounts committee  The National Capital Commission would be able to answer that question. Regarding the requirements, in terms of what was needed for the operation of the building, the NCC would be able to define or explain why that was necessary.

Public Accounts committee  Unfortunately, Mr. Chair, that would be a question that would have to be directed to the National Capital Commission.

Public Accounts committee  The short answer to the question is no. What I would say is—

Public Accounts committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. Good morning. I'd like to begin by acknowledging that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe peoples. I am pleased to be here to support this committee in its study of the service, maintenance and storage garage building built by the National Capital Commission, or NCC, at Rideau Hall.

Public Accounts committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. The open and accountable government framework clearly sets out the importance of respecting the operational independence of these organizations, while also ensuring that their overall direction and policies align with those of the government. The National Capital Commission is a crown corporation whose mandate is set forth in its enabling statute, the National Capital Act.

Information & Ethics committee  Again, to my knowledge, donating to a political party by an individual or a business is not cause for not awarding a contract.

Information & Ethics committee  In terms of materiality.... Do you mean dollar amounts?

Information & Ethics committee  I wouldn't know the answer to that question, sir.

Information & Ethics committee  I will leave that for the committee to decide.

Information & Ethics committee  What I can tell you is that political donations are not something that's explored as part of the procurement process.

Information & Ethics committee  Not that I'm aware of, but I will want to clarify for the committee that while I worked in the procurement branch previously, I'm not there at this point. I haven't been there for six months.

Information & Ethics committee  That's correct.