I assume this is the time at which we have the opportunity to table motions that were circulated to our committee members as a result of the conversations that we had at subcommittee. We said that once we established an agenda for dealing with the current studies that are ongoing, we would then look to members to put motions on notice for future studies they would like to see this committee undertake. With that, I would like to table a motion that was circulated to committee members on Tuesday.
The government recently announced that it was probing multiple companies that have allegedly been using Uyghur forced labour somewhere in their supply chain. These companies have allegedly been continuing to import goods that have used slave labour in their production process. Despite the international outcry and the condemnation from the Parliament of Canada, it seems that the Government of Canada has not taken the proper steps to ensure that goods produced using the products of forced labour are barred from entering the country.
Additionally, at recent hearings of this committee, members learned about government contracts with companies that engaged in unethical conduct but were still allowed to obtain sole-sourced contracts from the government and be cleared for multiple standing offers. I will note that the company in question, McKinsey, has recently reached yet another settlement of $230 million U.S. to resolve more lawsuits due to its role in the opioid crisis. This is in addition to an earlier $641.5 million in settlements paid out to resolve lawsuits. That a company such as McKinsey has access to exclusive government contracts is unacceptable.
The two issues I mentioned, which should be violations of the integrity regime, have occurred under this government. Whether this is due to a lack of effectiveness of the current integrity regime or a lack of enforcement, neither is acceptable.
With these issues in mind, I would like to move the following motion:
That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(c), the committee undertake a study of the integrity regime to review the effectiveness of the current rules and regulations to ensure that:
I. The government of Canada is not entering into contracts or real property agreements with suppliers which are conducting unethical business practices and
II. Businesses which engage in unethical business practices, are not able to undermine the fair competition and integrity of the Canadian economy.
III. The use and expenditure of public funds is protected and safeguarded.