Evidence of meeting #143 for Public Accounts in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was sdtc.
A video is available from Parliament.
Board Director, Sustainable Development Technology Canada
In leading very large public sector organizations, for example, at Global Affairs Canada, with 12,000 employees and over $8 billion in annual funding, there are considerable governance responsibilities that go along with that.
Liberal
Jean Yip Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
You're able to parlay your past experiences into helping with the current issues faced by the board.
Board Director, Sustainable Development Technology Canada
I hope to be able to bring that experience to the issues at hand.
Liberal
Board Director, Sustainable Development Technology Canada
The Auditor General looked at eligibility based on how projects had been assessed, which was based on the contribution agreement that was in place between ISED and SDTC.
Board Director, Sustainable Development Technology Canada
SDTC also understood eligibility based on the contribution agreement between ISED and SDTC, as well as on guidance and guidelines that were developed in order to assist in the interpretation of the eligibility criteria in the contribution agreement.
Liberal
Jean Yip Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
The RCMP commissioner told the media last week that there was an ongoing investigation into SDTC. Earlier this summer, in a letter to the clerk of the House and the committee, the RCMP stated it was looking into potentially starting an investigation but had not started one.
I'm sorry. Could we just lower the volume?
Liberal
Jean Yip Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
I'm sorry. I'm just having a bit of trouble.
If you don't mind, please....
Conservative
The Chair Conservative John Williamson
I'm sorry. Order.
Gentlemen, we don't comment on the questions members are asking. I would ask that we try not to disturb the questions that are going on.
Ms. Yip, I stopped the clock. You have three and a half minutes. The time is yours again.
Liberal
Jean Yip Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
Thank you.
I'll just repeat what I was just saying. I'll go back a bit.
The RCMP stated that it was looking into potentially starting an investigation but had not started one. It had also received no referral from the Auditor General, as had she found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing at the organization or by any individual.
Has the RCMP reached out to the current SDTC board in this regard?
October 7th, 2024 / 11:15 a.m.
Board Director, Sustainable Development Technology Canada
The new board has not been contacted by the RCMP.
Liberal
Board Director, Sustainable Development Technology Canada
I have not been contacted by the RCMP.
Liberal
Jean Yip Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
Okay.
In her testimony last week, Ms. Doyle confirmed that the three new board members appointed on June 4 are conflict-free and that the three of you met with the Ethics Commissioner as part of your appointment in order to ensure you are in full compliance with the Conflict of Interest Act.
Is this correct?
Board Director, Sustainable Development Technology Canada
Yes. We were briefed by the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner. We also met with the independent ethics adviser at SDTC.
I do not have any conflicts, financial interests or investments in any clean-tech companies.
Board Director, Sustainable Development Technology Canada
To my understanding, the other two are as well. I think you had them both here.
Liberal
Jean Yip Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
Ms. Doyle confirmed that SDTC has implemented 10 out of the 11 Auditor General recommendations and is in the process of implementing the final one in the project review.
Can you speak about the project review process? What is that process like?
Board Director, Sustainable Development Technology Canada
We initiated a process to independently review each of the projects put in place during the time period of the audit. We brought independent reviewers on board. Each project will be reviewed, separately, by two independent reviewers before it is considered by the board.
Liberal
Jean Yip Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
Has there been any main challenge faced in the project review process?
Board Director, Sustainable Development Technology Canada
The project review process has started, and we know we have a lot of work to do before the end of the year to get it finished. There are quite a lot of projects. It is under way, and we are working hard on it.
Liberal
Jean Yip Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
You mentioned that two people are reviewing each project.
Board Director, Sustainable Development Technology Canada
Two separate, individual reviewers will review each project.
