Evidence of meeting #104 for Industry, Science and Technology in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was quebec.
A recording is available from Parliament.
5:15 p.m.
O.C., As an Individual
No. It was until December 1. One thing I really wanted to do was the management response and action plan. I wanted to be able to complete that as the chair of SDTC and hand it over to the ISED officials and [Inaudible—Editor] that together.
5:15 p.m.
Liberal
Francesco Sorbara Liberal Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON
Okay.
I also want to get it on the record that you have served in different capacities in your lifetime. You served on the national science and technology committee for Prime Minister Mulroney. You were on the North American Competitiveness Council for Prime Minister Harper. You also served for—God bless him and rest his soul—former finance minister Jim Flaherty as an economic adviser during the economic crisis in 2008-09.
Is that not correct?
5:20 p.m.
Liberal
Francesco Sorbara Liberal Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON
Well, first of all, I wish to say thank you for your service to all governments that have been in power, obviously, built upon your experience and history within the business community.
Secondly, I wish to also put on the record that with regard to your history of donations, my understanding is that you supported Jean Charest, a Conservative leadership candidate, in last year's campaign.
Is that correct?
5:20 p.m.
Liberal
Francesco Sorbara Liberal Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON
I also understand—the profile is public—that you donated the maximum amount to his campaign.
5:20 p.m.
O.C., As an Individual
Yes, I did. I vote for and support individuals who I think can make a great contribution. I'm non-partisan. If you take a look at my record, I think I vote broadly.
5:20 p.m.
Liberal
Francesco Sorbara Liberal Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON
There are still some Progressive Conservatives around. There might be more around and it doesn't seem like they're welcome in some parties these days.
5:20 p.m.
Some hon. members
Oh, oh!
5:20 p.m.
Liberal
Francesco Sorbara Liberal Vaughan—Woodbridge, ON
I think we just heard some chirping from the backbenches, the real backbenches, about not welcoming Progressive Conservatives in the Conservative Party, but nonetheless, we'll continue on.
The next thing is that obviously if any other MP has donations to make to other individuals that does not make them an insider.
Moving from there, you've been around business for a long time and recusing yourself from decisions. How do you feel about that when you were with SDTC in terms of recusing yourself from decisions, which may not have been viewed at the time as having a conflict of interest or a potential conflict of interest or anything to that extent, but which with hindsight you may have excused yourself and the same decision would have been made...?
5:20 p.m.
O.C., As an Individual
Look, I understand business. I've been on boards for almost 30 years. I take responsibility and governance very seriously. I am a chair of a governance committee of a major company in Canada. I understand [Technical difficulty—Editor]
5:20 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Joël Lightbound
It appears that we have lost the witness. We will try to figure out the reason. I will suspend the meeting until we get hold of Madam Verschuren.
The meeting is suspended.
5:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Joël Lightbound
Colleagues, the meeting is back in session. Given the hour and the limited resources that we have for this meeting tonight.... It appears that the witness had technical difficulties and has not been able to reconnect with the committee. Hence, the witness will be reinvited this Thursday.
Mr. Lemire, you have the floor.
5:45 p.m.
Bloc
Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Could I have some clarification on how the invitation will be made? Personally, I wouldn't want to see this study drag on for a long time, especially in the current context.
Are we talking about an invitation or a formal notice to come back to testify next Thursday?
5:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Joël Lightbound
To my knowledge, there was no reluctance on the part of Ms. Verschuren to come and testify. We didn't need to summon her, because she has made herself available to testify today. From what I understood, there were technical difficulties.
At this point, I don't see the need to summon her. She'll be invited to join us again next Thursday. I know the clerk will deal with that today.
5:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Joël Lightbound
In that case, I will close the discussion.
If I have members consent I will adjourn this meeting, and see you on Thursday.
The meeting is adjourned.