Government Operations Committee on Nov. 1st, 2018

[The Chair, Conservative, Tom Lukiwski]

Thank you very much.

Now, for the final five-minute intervention, we'll go back to one of your favourite committee members, Mr. Brison, as you've stated on so many occasions.

Mr. McCauley, you have five minutes, please.

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

Even on Facebook, I'm sure....

The PBO has asked repeatedly for the RFP for the combat ship program. Repeatedly, the government has refused to release it to him, even though he believes, and I believe, that it is required to release it to him under an act of Parliament. We've asked the minister over at PSPC if they will release it and got hum and haw: “Yes, we should get around to it.” Just last week, releasing it was refused for the fourth time.

Can you guarantee to us, because you're the overseer of financial management, that the Parliamentary Budget Officer will finally receive the RFP for the combat ship program? I'm sorry, but it's a simple yes or no. If you want to say no, fine, and I'll move on to the other question, but I'd like a quick answer from you, please.

[Scott Brison]

I would say that I'd like to speak to my colleague Minister Qualtrough on this. I've not been asked that question before. I'd like to actually speak to Minister Qualtrough about the issue and—

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

Do you mind getting back to us, then?

[Scott Brison]

I'll speak to the minister. I'll get back to you after I speak with Minister Qualtrough about it.

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

Perfect.

Next, did you discuss Project Resolve in any of the 16 communications you've had with the Irving group since 2016?

[Scott Brison]

Mr. Chair, once again, this is a matter before the courts. I've been clear in terms of Treasury Board's role—

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

You've mentioned that it's before the courts.

[Scott Brison]

—on an ongoing basis. Again, I will not compromise that, and I think it's irresponsible for the honourable member to be speaking of a matter that is before the courts now. The independence of the judicial process is important—

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

Minister Brison, you say that it's before the courts—

[Scott Brison]

—and Parliament has a responsibility. This is known as the sub judice convention. It's—

[The Chair, Conservative, Tom Lukiwski]

Minister, I take my role very seriously, but I also make sure that I only interject when I think it's absolutely necessary. I appreciate the response that you were giving. We have heard this. I've certainly heard this in the House, as many others have. I think we know the position. I'm not suggesting that it's right, wrong or indifferent, but I think now that is on the record.

Mr. McCauley, I would ask you to pose another question, please.

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

Thank you.

You've mentioned that it's before the courts. I accept that.

Before Admiral Norman's trial even started, the Prime Minister went public and said that it would “inevitably” come before the courts, suggesting that he was perhaps briefed by the RCMP on the status of the investigation.

Considering your engagement with Irving, did your department receive any briefings from the RCMP on the state of Admiral Norman's investigation?

[Scott Brison]

Again, Mr. Chair, my answer to that would be identical to that which I just delivered—

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

Okay. I'll move on.

[Scott Brison]

—and that is that there is a matter before the courts. Parliament has a responsibility to respect the sub judice convention, which is there to ensure the integrity and independence of a judicial process. I wish the honourable member would behave responsibly and understand—

[The Chair, Conservative, Tom Lukiwski]

I will interject again and for the record note that the question has been posed and answered.

Mr. McCauley, I would ask you to move on to your next question.

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

If only the Prime Minister showed such responsibility before he publicly condemned Admiral Norman....

In February of this year, you and this committee agreed that you would appear before this committee to discuss whistle-blower protection.

[Scott Brison]

Yes.

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

We've repeatedly invited you. It was supposed to be before summer break. You have not returned to deal with whistle-blowers. Considering your involvement in the ongoing Norman case and the Irving issue, we have a simple question for you: whether you're avoiding the briefing because you're implicated in a case against a whistle-blower yourself.

[Scott Brison]

Actually, your committee has done some work on this. You've done significant work on it.

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

We've asked you to appear, and you have not shown up.

[Scott Brison]

Actually, just on this, Mr. McCauley, we have made improvements to the whistle-blower regime that reflect some of the work of this committee.

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

You agreed to appear before the summer, and you have refused. Is it because of the ongoing whistle-blower issue with Admiral Norman?

[Scott Brison]

Mr. Chair, may I finish?

These are some of the improvements we've made to the administration and operation of the internal disclosure process: for instance, the protection from acts of reprisal against public servants. This includes greater guidance for the internal disclosure process; increased awareness activities; training for public servants, supervisors and managers; and enhanced reporting relating to the internal disclosure process and acts of founded wrongdoing. This reflects recommendations made by this committee. So we have actually listened to the committee and we've made changes to strengthen the whistle-blower regime.