Public Accounts Committee on Nov. 20th, 2024

[Annette Verschuren]

I'm very concerned about the clean-tech industry. I understand that a lot of the recommendations made by the AG have been changed and asserted. Absolutely, I hope that SDTC remains a strong organization. I'm really happy that the NRC is taking it over. I really do hope that things will continue, because it is the future of our economy in terms of growth.

[Jean Yip, Liberal, Scarborough—Agincourt, ON]

Do you have other comments regarding the Auditor General's recommendations?

[Annette Verschuren]

The Auditor General's recommendations were broad in scope. They focused on the history of SDTC and the act. They focused in part on the decisions of management. I was not part of the management team. From what I've seen in the media, it's my understanding that the SDTC has already adopted most of the Auditor General's recommendations.

[Jean Yip, Liberal, Scarborough—Agincourt, ON]

How do you view the project review that is under way by the transition board? What are your thoughts?

[Annette Verschuren]

I believe due diligence is being done. The accountability is under way in terms of making sure that proper procedures are completed and executed.

[Jean Yip, Liberal, Scarborough—Agincourt, ON]

Would you agree that the clean-tech industry relies heavily on government funding to de-risk investment?

[Annette Verschuren]

Yes. These entrepreneurs take risks and need to be supported. It's part of the chain of new technology and innovation in our country. It is critically important that we have this support for this sector.

[Jean Yip, Liberal, Scarborough—Agincourt, ON]

Thank you.

Those are all the questions I have.

[The Chair, Conservative, John Williamson]

Thank you very much, Ms. Yip.

We are now beginning our third round.

Mr. Nater, you have the floor for five minutes, please.

[John Nater, Conservative, Perth—Wellington, ON]

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and through you, thank you to our witness for joining us here today.

Ms. Verschuren, do you know who Andrew Noseworthy is?

[Annette Verschuren]

Yes, I know who Andrew Noseworthy is.

[John Nater, Conservative, Perth—Wellington, ON]

Earlier this week, we had former deputy minister Knubley here. He used the phrase that Andrew Noseworthy was his “eyes and ears” on the SDTC board.

Would you agree with that assessment of Mr. Noseworthy—that he was the eyes and ears of the industry department on the SDTC board?

[Annette Verschuren]

I would agree with that assessment.

[John Nater, Conservative, Perth—Wellington, ON]

Okay.

My understanding is that Mr. Noseworthy attended nearly all, if not all, SDTC meetings. Is that your understanding as well? Was he at nearly all such meetings?

[Annette Verschuren]

Yes, Mr. Chair, he was at, I would say, most meetings, board of directors meetings.

[John Nater, Conservative, Perth—Wellington, ON]

We've established that he was the eyes and ears of the department. He was sent there specifically by the deputy minister to be the eyes and ears. I'm curious. What role did he actually play in those meetings?

Did he at any point make note of the fact that there were problems with conflicts of interest? Did he raise any concerns about recusals versus abstentions? What was he saying at those meetings?

[Annette Verschuren]

He participated and I would often ask him to talk about ISED's direction and his response to the performance of SDTC.

He never questioned the procedures at the board level with me.

[John Nater, Conservative, Perth—Wellington, ON]

We've established that Mr. Noseworthy did not make note of the conflicts of interest or raise those issues, but I want to follow up.

He was basically providing the SDTC board with the direction from Industry Canada and what Industry Canada wished to see at SDTC. That's my understanding.

[Annette Verschuren]

Mr. Noseworthy was, obviously, the representative of ISED. It was important to have that relationship between ISED, the board of directors and management. He would work with the CEO often to talk about new ideas or initiatives that SDTC may have.

[John Nater, Conservative, Perth—Wellington, ON]

In the time since you left the board, have you had any further contact with ADM Noseworthy?

[Annette Verschuren]

I have not.

[John Nater, Conservative, Perth—Wellington, ON]

I want to go back to the selection process.

Our understanding is that you applied to be the chair on April 30, 2019. I think we've established that, prior to that, you had received at least one or maybe two phone calls from Minister Bains and perhaps had other discussions with the former minister at perhaps public events or receptions of some sort.

When you applied, were you aware that the Privy Council Office had determined that, “The committee agreed that all seven individuals are strong and that they also represented unique strengths that could serve the interests, current needs, and future direction of the SDTC.” That's referring to the highly qualified individuals who had applied prior to those phone calls.

Were you aware that there were other individuals at that time who were deemed to be “highly qualified” for the position of chair and for positions on the board?

[Annette Verschuren]

As I indicated, I did not look for this position. I was approached. After reflection, I did apply for it. I had no knowledge of who the other applicants were. I had no knowledge, quite frankly, of the process itself.

[John Nater, Conservative, Perth—Wellington, ON]

Thank you.

Did the minister at any point note why, specifically, you were being encouraged?

[Annette Verschuren]

I think the minister recognized my business experience, my focus on and interest in the clean technology area, and that I had committed to push this industry forward in everything I did.