Evidence of meeting #32 for Public Accounts in the 39th Parliament, 2nd session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was contract.
A recording is available from Parliament.
NDP
David Christopherson NDP Hamilton Centre, ON
Would you have got that phone call without having worked for the minister?
As an Individual
We work very hard to build our reputation. Our reputation is indeed known among political staff. It's known among some members of the cabinet, and I can't apologize for that. Our reputation is also known among—
NDP
David Christopherson NDP Hamilton Centre, ON
Are there other governments of other political persuasions besides Conservatives that have hired you to do things?
NDP
David Christopherson NDP Hamilton Centre, ON
But in other provinces. I'm asking if there are other parties you've worked for. I'm just saying that if your value is that important, obviously there might be others who want to use it. Or is it only Conservatives?
As an Individual
I look to the chair. I'm nervous about disclosing for whom we have done work. However, it is fair to say that within our country we have done work at the provincial level for jurisdictions that were not Conservative.
NDP
David Christopherson NDP Hamilton Centre, ON
Okay. Let me ask you this. You mentioned earlier, if we got the quote, and I'm sure we did, that 10% of your work is with the government, but it represents 30% of your income.
As an Individual
No. I apologize, sir. I should have been clearer. My estimate for the work we did for the Department of Finance was roughly 10%. Work we've done for the Government of Canada would be roughly one-third. Again, I would urge the committee to know that those are rough estimates. But the point I would make is that MacPhie & Company's business is far more extensive than just the work we've done for the federal government.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Shawn Murphy
Thank you very much, Mr. Christopherson.
Thank you, Mr. MacPhie.
Point of order, Mr. Lake.
Conservative
Mike Lake Conservative Edmonton—Mill Woods—Beaumont, AB
Earlier Mr. McCallum stated that Mr. MacPhie billed for 18 hours per day, and I don't believe that's correct. I just want to give Mr. McCallum the opportunity to correct the record, if he could, before they take their time.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Shawn Murphy
That's not a point of order. If Mr. McCallum wants to correct it later, he can.
Mr. Wrzesnewskyj, seven minutes.
Liberal
Borys Wrzesnewskyj Liberal Etobicoke Centre, ON
Thank you.
Mr. MacPhie, you directed us to your website. In fact, on the MacPhie & Company website, the “Our Story” page, the first line reads “...it's been our friends and clients who have helped guide and steer us to where we are today”.
Today you find yourself before the public accounts committee because your friend—as you've noted—Jim Flaherty guided and steered a Treasury Board rules-breaking untendered contract for over $120,000 to you while you worked on his speech and communications strategy.
How many hours were you actually contracted to work? We know you've said your company worked more than 800 hours. How many hours were you contracted to work?
Liberal
Borys Wrzesnewskyj Liberal Etobicoke Centre, ON
If you can't remember, perhaps you could table that information with us at a later date.
Conservative
John Williams Conservative Edmonton—St. Albert, AB
I don't think again as a private individual...to table in this House a private contract he had with the Government of Canada. If Mr. Wrzesnewskyj wants it, it's available through the government, and we shouldn't be asking private individuals to table a contract.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Shawn Murphy
This matter is before the public accounts committee. It's an appropriate question, and I will allow it to continue.
Liberal
Borys Wrzesnewskyj Liberal Etobicoke Centre, ON
Mr. MacPhie, will you table that contract or that portion of the contract?
As an Individual
I would direct you to the Department of Finance with respect to—