Evidence of meeting #8 for Government Operations and Estimates in the 39th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was works.
Liberal
Marcel Proulx Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC
Can your people tell us what roles Mr. Doucet and Mr. Loiselle played in negotiating that transaction?
Minister of Public Works and Government Services
Mr. Loiselle had nothing to do with the talks or the negotiations. No one from my department played any role—
Liberal
Minister of Public Works and Government Services
No one from my office had any role to play.
I'm told the letter of intent was signed on January 10 or 15, before the election was held. So the acceleration... As I said, I let the people do their job.
Liberal
Minister of Public Works and Government Services
I don't know what role you're talking about.
Liberal
Marcel Proulx Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC
The experts from your department, Mr. McGrath, who is in charge of negotiations, and Mr. Marshall, who is your Deputy Minister, are here.
Minister of Public Works and Government Services
Do you want to know whether Mr. Doucet met them? Is that your question? Ask your question.
Liberal
Marcel Proulx Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC
What role did Mr. Doucet play in that transaction, Mr. Minister?
Minister of Public Works and Government Services
As Minister, I answer that he did not play any role. Mr. McGrath, who is responsible for the file, may want to answer your question.
Tim McGrath Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Real Property Branch, Department of Public Works and Government Services
Yes, I can: there was absolutely nothing. A letter of intent was signed prior to the election. There were absolutely no discussions with Mr. Doucette prior to the signature of the letter of intent. He has had absolutely no influence in terms of the negotiations or the discussions. That's the answer.
Liberal
Marcel Proulx Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC
So as far as you are concerned, Mr. Doucette has not been involved in any way, form, or fashion?
Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Real Property Branch, Department of Public Works and Government Services
He has not been involved--
Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Real Property Branch, Department of Public Works and Government Services
--in shaping this agreement whatsoever.
Liberal
Marcel Proulx Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC
That's fine, thank you.
Minister, did you ask your department or the Department of Justice for a legal opinion on the potential problems caused by the lobbying work previously done by the present Minister of National Defence? He acted as a lobbyist for Raytheon and General Dynamics Canada.
As regards the call for tenders for your supply ships, it's possible suppliers may be frustrated since the contract will go to one of those companies for which your Minister of Defence previously worked as a lobbyist. Have you obtained a legal opinion on the danger or risk of a lawsuit against the Government of Canada as a result of the work of your Minister of National Defence in a previous life?
Minister of Public Works and Government Services
Mr. O'Connor has answered that question a number of times in the House. I don't know whether you asked it.
Liberal
Marcel Proulx Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC
I asked it yesterday, but unfortunately you were absent from the House. It just so happened that way.
Minister of Public Works and Government Services
That's it.
The Minister and the Prime Minister clearly explained all the rules on those activities to to Mr. O'connor before he became a minister. The Department of Public Works handles procurement.
Whether it's the department you referred to, the Department of the Environment, or Mr. Prentice's department, when one of those departments let's us know it needs goods and services, Mr. Marshall's team gets involved.
Liberal
Marcel Proulx Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC
Minister, your department is responsible for the acquisition and call for tenders process. Have you, your department or yourself, asked the Department of Justice or a law firm for a legal opinion on the risk?
Minister of Public Works and Government Services
We don't need to request a legal opinion, Mr. Proulx, since Mr. O'Connor complied with all the acts and rules regarding the position he occupied before becoming a minister and, of course, since he has been a minister.
Minister of Public Works and Government Services
Personally, I didn't request one. Mr. Marshall, did you request a legal opinion?
Deputy Minister, Department of Public Works and Government Services
I didn't request any.