Evidence of meeting #39 for Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics in the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was land.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON
There are difficult outside conditions for someone who is seeking safety and shelter and safe harbour.
President, Importations Guay Ltd., As an Individual
It's definitely too cold for them.
Liberal
Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON
You mentioned earlier that CBSA approached you, that some agents came to you to help resolve an issue of asylum seekers crossing at Roxham Road, looking for a solution so the government could meet its obligations under the safe third country agreement, and that it took time to develop that relationship, to understand what the needs were in setting up safe harbour at Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle. Is that correct?
Liberal
Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON
When you began—you mentioned this, as did officials—in terms of commercial market value, you did your assessments, but I can also hear that you are a man of compassion and not only a businessman.
In the process of the negotiations, investments and leaseholder agreements are made in order to.... When any landlord sets up a lease agreement, there are adjustments, accommodations, renovations that need to be made, and the costs were calculated in conjunction with officials to create an operational facility for CBSA and IRCC. Is that correct?
Liberal
Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON
The officials said it was fair market value. Do you feel that it was not only fair market value but that maybe you accommodated due to the conditions at hand of the folks who were coming through, understanding this was a real need?
President, Importations Guay Ltd., As an Individual
Yes, well.... With our hotel, our rooms are rented in the summertime at the same price as we rented them to the CBSA—well, actually it was Immigration Canada that rented the rooms. In the wintertime, they get the 35% discount on the rooms, so they pay approximately $100 a day.
Liberal
Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON
Thank you for that.
Just continuing in that line of questioning, one of my colleagues asked earlier about a public office holder. Who did you negotiate with in terms of the leases themselves? I don't need names. I just need the title or office.
President, Importations Guay Ltd., As an Individual
It was the department of public works.
Liberal
Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON
Was it a Governor in Council appointee or any of the following persons: a lieutenant governor, a member of office staff of the Senate, the House of Commons or the Library of Parliament?
Liberal
Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON
Okay. Then it was no one who fits the definition of a public office holder. Is that correct?
Liberal
Ya'ara Saks Liberal York Centre, ON
Thank you, Monsieur Guay.
On that note, how long have these lease agreements been in place, and, without disclosing too much, is it an annual renewal or is it a term renewal? I come from a commercial real estate background, so I'm a little curious.