Evidence of meeting #15 for Government Operations and Estimates in the 39th Parliament, 2nd session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was meeting.
A recording is available from Parliament.
, As an Individual
Dimitri and I had discussed this file on several occasions. I think we agreed that it would be a good idea to get together for a discussion. I believe Dimitri called the meeting.
Bloc
Bloc
, As an Individual
I don't recall the exact dates. It was during the summer. We discussed this matter over the phone several times. We discussed a number of issues on a regular basis, and this one in particular once or twice.
Bloc
Meili Faille Bloc Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
Okay. For the benefit of the committee, could you tell us which issues Mr. Soudas was preoccupied with and wished to discuss with Public Works?
, As an Individual
If I could give you a qualified answer, he was interested in this matter and had some questions of a general nature. It's a rather complex case that is now before the courts. One can always discuss generalities, but sometimes it is better to sit down and discuss matters in greater detail. This file requires...
Bloc
Meili Faille Bloc Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
Fine. As you know, I too was once a political advisor. I simply want to touch briefly on the Rosdev file and find out what is happening on the legal front.
Were any other matters discussed?
, As an Individual
No. Only the Rosdev file was discussed at the meeting in question.
Bloc
Meili Faille Bloc Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
So then, over the phone, you discussed a number of issues, but the sole item of business on the agenda for the August meeting was the property file and the legal ramifications.
Were additional meetings held subsequently?
, As an Individual
Yes. We also organized two briefings for departmental officials. Again, I do not have the exact dates and details handy, since I'm no longer working in the Minister's office. Two briefings were held with our officials, our experts. Even the people in the Minister's office are somewhat detached from the process. Tim McGrath's group with property management services set up the two briefings.
Bloc
Meili Faille Bloc Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
Further to these meetings, other meetings were held with officials.
Bloc
Meili Faille Bloc Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
And what message was the PMO office sending out? Was a sense of urgency conveyed?
, As an Individual
First of all, I want to clarify something. Neither the PMO, nor the Prime Minister indirectly sent out any message. All throughout the process, from the discussions that we had, there was never any question that a briefing was held at the office of the Minister of Public Works when we first arrived in Ottawa. At that time, our officials advised us to continue going the legal route. As we communicated with other government authorities, there was never any question of changing our course of action and of not pursuing legal action.
Bloc
Meili Faille Bloc Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
During your meeting with Mr. Soudas, was a suggestion made at one point to consider suspending or dropping legal proceedings, and instead, trying to work out a settlement?
, As an Individual
As I just said, it was always very clear that we would not be going a different route. We had already discussed that scenario with the company. We merely wanted to stay the course. Never in my mind, or in the minds of the members of...
Bloc
Meili Faille Bloc Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
I can understand that you might have wanted to stay the course, but did you feel any pressure from the PMO? Did either Mr. Housakos' name, or that of Mr. Rosenberg, come up during the course of your conversations?