Finance Committee on July 28th, 2020

[Peter Julian, NDP, New Westminster—Burnaby, BC]

Then that's why you chose the shell company structure?

[Marc Kielburger]

Sir, it's not a shell company. I want to stress again that that is an inaccurate statement. The foundation is a registered charity, so characterizing it, sir, with great respect, as a shell company is not right.

[The Chair, Liberal, Wayne Easter]

We are going to end it there, considerably over time, but that was Mr. Julian's first time.

Because people asked me this, again, the lineup will be, first Mr. Poilievre for five minutes, then Mr. Sorbara, then Mr. Barrett and then Ms. Dzerowicz.

Mr. Poilievre.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

Yes or no, have you or any of your intermediaries communicated with the Prime Minister's Office since the contribution agreement was cancelled?

[Craig Kielburger]

We have not, and to our knowledge they have not.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

You have had no intermediary who has communicated with the Prime Minister's Office since the cancellation of the contribution agreement?

[Craig Kielburger]

You're asking “to our knowledge” and, no, to our knowledge we've answered the question; we have not.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

You're under oath.

[Craig Kielburger]

Sir, I'm very much aware of that.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

Did you have any direct email, cellphone or instant communications with any minister after March 1?

[Craig Kielburger]

Any minister after March 1...direct communication? Yes, sir—

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

I said email, cellphone, instant communication, or other electronic communication?

[Craig Kielburger]

Yes, with three ministers, sir.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

Name them, please.

[Craig Kielburger]

Minister Ng, Minister Chagger and Minister Morneau.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

Do you commit to sharing those conversations with the committee?

[Craig Kielburger]

Yes, sir.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

Have you had any similar electronic communication with staff members from ministers' offices?

[Craig Kielburger]

Yes, we're happy to provide that also, sir.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

You began incurring eligible expenses on March 5. Who told you that you would be eligible for expense reimbursement on March 5, given that the contribution agreement would not be signed for more than a month?

[Marc Kielburger]

Sir, when we did the contract negotiations with ESDC, we mutually agreed that March 5 would be the start date.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

When did you agree to that?

[Marc Kielburger]

We'd have to get you the exact date, sir, but it was part of the contract negotiation period. During that time we—

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Carleton, ON]

“Contract negotiation”—so there was a contract.

[The Chair, Liberal, Wayne Easter]

Mr. Poilievre, please allow the gentleman to answer the questions. We've got ample time, so if we've got to go over a little in your round, we will.

Marc, go ahead.