Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, Minister and your departmental officials, for joining us here today.
After nine years of this Liberal government, everything is broken. You don't need to take my word for it. I'm going to note that the procurement system within the Government of Canada is especially broken. This is not a partisan statement, but a sentiment that is also shared by the procurement ombudsman.
In an article by Blacklock's Reporter, entitled “$25B Contract System Broken”, the procurement ombud said that “the Canadian system is kind of near the bottom tier”. That's a quote. He went on to say that the irregularities, such as the sweetheart deals, are symptomatic of “a broken system”. On Tuesday, when he appeared before the committee, he gave us some examples—it was quite a list—such as “WE Charity, ArriveCAN, McKinsey, bait and switch” and now indigenous procurement.
As you said in your opening comments, Minister Duclos, Public Services and Procurement Canada works with all departments when it comes to procurement. Billions of dollars are being wasted and going to Liberal insiders, who are basically fleecing taxpayers.
How much money are taxpayers on the hook for for outsourcing this year? Can you provide us with a number?