Evidence of meeting #20 for Government Operations and Estimates in the 40th Parliament, 3rd session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was company.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
I think Mr. Jordan made that case very strongly when he pointed out normal processes. And you've been through normal processes. There are lots of application forms, lots of signatures required, and due diligence is required. And this particular time--
President, Canadian Solar Solutions Inc.
Yes, I've got to admit I've probably complained from time to time about the forms that we've had to fill out. But in this case, that's what they're there for, to prevent these types of things.
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
We've all agreed, Mr. Jordan--you and me, at least, and I think others around this table--that it seems there was a different process for these particular funds. And that needs to be considered. We need to do something about that.
Mr. Jordan, you talked about the lobbying commissioner, that you've spoken to the lobbying commissioner. Have you spoken to the lobbying commissioner?
President, Canadian Solar Solutions Inc.
I have not. David has, though.
Liberal
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
Mr. Jordan spoke of what it was he provided to the office of the lobbying commissioner. Would you care to comment?
David Arenburg
I provided a full transcript of all communication between GPG and Canadian Solar. I also met with the two private investigators for an hour and a half, which they have on record.
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
Would you care to table the same information to this committee, please?
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
If you could table it, that would be great. Thank you.
Have either of you been contacted by the RCMP in any investigations concerning Mr. Jaffer, Mr. Gillani, Mr. Glémaud, on any of these issues surrounding this?
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
Did you ever get a business card from Mr. Jaffer? Of course, you never met Mr. Jaffer. But Mr. Glémaud never mentioned Mr. Jaffer to you, of course?
Director, Upper Canada Solar Ltd.
I think I was aware he was in business with Rahim. But that was the extent of it.
President, Canadian Solar Solutions Inc.
I have to be honest, I didn't even know Mr. Jaffer until this thing--
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
Perfect. I'm just trying to get a few things on the record here.
I understand that Canadian Solar operates in China, so I'll just go to that for a second. Are you familiar with Dr. Hai Chen? He's the business associate of Mr. Jaffer and Mr. Gillani. You've never had any dealings with Mr. Chen at all?
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
Okay.
Mr. Jaffer, of course, travelled to China back in February. That's been brought to the attention of the committee. He planned a second trip soon after. You didn't meet with Mr. Glémaud concerning this at all?
President, Canadian Solar Solutions Inc.
I personally did not. I would have to check with our headquarters to see if there was a visit by him.
We have lots of people from Canada. They want to come by and see a success story there. So I'd have to check on that.
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
Great.
Is there anything you'd like to add to the record just before I say thank you?
Director, Upper Canada Solar Ltd.
I just want to make the point.... I don't want to give you the impression I was not aware that Patrick was going to try to find out whether projects were eligible.
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
He was going to do a Google search or something.
Director, Upper Canada Solar Ltd.
Yes. He'd had that conversation. That was fine.
The thing I wasn't aware of is that his actions were going to end up in what was being called a formal application for funding. That's what shocked me.