Public Accounts Committee on March 21st, 2007

[André Gladu]

I would simply like to make one comment with respect to the second part of your question. I already answered the first part. Access for disabled persons was improved. As for the rest, I was not in any way involved in what you have referred to in the note from Mr. Arès, an employee of Public Works and Government Services Canada.

[David Christopherson, NDP, Hamilton Centre, ON]

It wasn't really a question for you, sir. I was putting it on the record because these things still have to be answered.

If I can, I heard what you said about the accessibility being improved, but was it brought to standard? It certainly would have been under the other contract, I have to assume, because they were doing renovations.

[André Gladu]

You would probably have to check that with people who are there now because I left just when the lease was being renewed. However, to my knowledge, it met the standards.

[David Christopherson, NDP, Hamilton Centre, ON]

We're still left with the other outstanding statements by staff, clearly indicating that they had concerns about whether this was politically motivated or not.

Thanks.

[The Chair, Liberal, Shawn Murphy]

Thank you very much, Mr. Christopherson.

Mr. Rodriguez.

[Pablo Rodriguez, Liberal, Honoré-Mercier, QC]

When did you say you left?

[André Gladu]

I left in April of 2003.

[Pablo Rodriguez, Liberal, Honoré-Mercier, QC]

So, that was just after the new lease came into effect.

[André Gladu]

That correct.

[Pablo Rodriguez, Liberal, Honoré-Mercier, QC]

You said earlier that you pointed out to the Minister that he should never have written that letter. Did I get that right?

[André Gladu]

Yes.

[Pablo Rodriguez, Liberal, Honoré-Mercier, QC]

Did you actually say that to him in person?

[André Gladu]

Yes.

[Pablo Rodriguez, Liberal, Honoré-Mercier, QC]

And what was his answer?

[André Gladu]

Well as I stated earlier, he explained that he did it because he wanted to…

[Pablo Rodriguez, Liberal, Honoré-Mercier, QC]

… make people aware that it could be important to stay in the same place.

[André Gladu]

He told me that he did it because I had mentioned to him that moving our employees would be difficult to manage, considering that they had always worked at the same location. He said he simply wanted to ensure that it might be possible to stay there and thereby minimize that particular issue. That was his answer to me.

[Pablo Rodriguez, Liberal, Honoré-Mercier, QC]

There were fit-ups to improve accessibility, but can you tell me whether the building met the Agency's requirements?

[André Gladu]

People at the Agency did what was necessary to make it work over the five-year period of the lease. However, no improvement could be made during those five years. I know that because I discussed this with some ex-colleagues. Improvements that should have been made were not made.

For example, the carpeting was very dirty but was not able to be changed. Some computer upgrades were also not made. However, people at the Agency did what they had to do and were able to perform their work effectively despite that throughout the five-year period.

[Pablo Rodriguez, Liberal, Honoré-Mercier, QC]

Do we know whether they were satisfied or whether they still intend to move?

[André Gladu]

They will be moving at the end of the current lease.

[Pablo Rodriguez, Liberal, Honoré-Mercier, QC]

Do you know where they are moving to?

[André Gladu]

No, I do not.

But I was told they are moving.

[Pablo Rodriguez, Liberal, Honoré-Mercier, QC]

Did the Minister at no time seem to regret his decision or say you were right? In his opinion, everything was clear?

[André Gladu]

Well, if he did regret it, he never told me so.