Evidence of meeting #18 for Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was carney.
A video is available from Parliament.
Chief Operating Officer, Brookfield Corporation
There are tens of thousands.
Liberal
Leslie Church Liberal Toronto—St. Paul's, ON
I'm interested because, in our conflict of interest framework federally, we look at instances where there is a broad class of persons affected or an issue that affects a matter of general application. It's interesting that there are that many.
You also mentioned that you have reviewed the Prime Minister's screen in annex A. My colleagues were asking you about the global transition fund. Is it your understanding that the investments from that fund are listed in annex A as part of the Prime Minister's screen?
Conservative
The Chair Conservative John Brassard
Thank you, Ms. Church.
Mr. Thériault, you have the floor for five minutes.
Bloc
Luc Thériault Bloc Montcalm, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Brookfield owns railways, natural gas processing plants, gas pipelines and a company that designs, builds and operates nuclear power plants. It also holds an interest in the oil sands and is involved in port facilities. Bill C‑5 covers all these sectors.
You said earlier that Mr. Carney was very familiar with Brookfield’s vision, strategies and perspectives.
Were you surprised to see that one of the first things Mr. Carney did as prime minister was to move Bill C‑5, which precisely targets Brookfield’s areas of activity?
Chief Operating Officer, Brookfield Corporation
Those sectors are critical to the health of the Canadian economy. Am I surprised that the Prime Minister would seek to ensure that critical industries of our country are being maintained and, indeed, enhanced? No.
I haven't read Bill C-5 in detail, but in response to your direct question, I would say that we read legislation and policy, the same as everybody else does. However, these are critical industries that are very important to the Canadian economy.
Bloc
Luc Thériault Bloc Montcalm, QC
Do you think Brookfield should withdraw from those projects to avoid putting Mr. Carney in a conflict of interest?
Are you of the opinion that, when Brookfield is the primary contractor, Mr. Carney should recuse himself every time a decision is required?
Chief Operating Officer, Brookfield Corporation
What I would say to that is that it's, again, very difficult, as a private enterprise, to make recommendations as to how government should address it when conflicts occur among members of government. It would be unfortunate if private enterprise were impacted.
Bloc
Luc Thériault Bloc Montcalm, QC
If I understand correctly, you agree we are at least in an apparent conflict of interest, perhaps even in a conflict of interest.
Is that right?
Chief Operating Officer, Brookfield Corporation
Look, it's not for us, as a private enterprise, to weigh in on these types of considerations. All I can speak to is how we conduct our business.
Bloc
Luc Thériault Bloc Montcalm, QC
Bill C‑5 suspends a multitude of laws implemented over the years to uphold the highest environmental standards. Furthermore, all it takes is a single minister to consider a project as being in the national interest to set all those laws aside.
That is what Bill C‑5 does. It means a company can present a project to the Prime Minister, say it’s in the national interest, and those laws will be set aside, including C‑5. That is the current legislative context.
Even if you don’t want to stand in for parliamentarians, do you understand the nature of the work we have to do?
Do you understand that, objectively, the Prime Minister’s first decision contains an apparent conflict of interest, since he has long-term stock purchase options, meaning deferred stock purchase options?
Do you agree?
Chief Operating Officer, Brookfield Corporation
I appreciate the question, and I know you've asked it in several ways. I appreciate that you're passionate about it. What I will say is that I'm here because we do respect the work of this committee. I'm here to try to help, as much as I can, as an executive of a private enterprise who has never had any involvement with government.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative John Brassard
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Thériault.
Mr. Barrett, go ahead for five minutes.
Conservative
Michael Barrett Conservative Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, ON
Do you know Mr. Carney?
Conservative
Michael Barrett Conservative Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, ON
When was the last time you spoke, texted, emailed or exchanged letter mail with him?
Chief Operating Officer, Brookfield Corporation
I'm here to tell you that no one at Brookfield has communicated with the Prime Minister in relation to Brookfield or its business. That's what we're required to monitor. That's what I'm here to confirm.
Conservative
Michael Barrett Conservative Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, ON
My question was, when was the last time you communicated with the Prime Minister? You're required to answer.
Chief Operating Officer, Brookfield Corporation
I met with.... I'm happy to answer—
Conservative
Michael Barrett Conservative Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, ON
You obfuscated with your first response, sir, so I'm giving you the precision that you're required to answer the question, and it is directly when you last communicated with Mr. Carney.
Chief Operating Officer, Brookfield Corporation
Since he departed office, I have met with him only once.
Conservative
Michael Barrett Conservative Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, ON
What was the nature of the meeting?
Chief Operating Officer, Brookfield Corporation
I contacted him to have a discussion about the rise in hate incidents, particularly anti-Semitism, across Canada.
Conservative
Michael Barrett Conservative Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, ON
What was the date of the contact and the date of the meeting?