Public Accounts Committee on June 8th, 2023

Evidence of meeting #69 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 foundation.

A video is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation

Committee Business

MPs speaking

John Williamson

Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné

Also speaking

Clerk of the Committee Ms. Carine Grand-Jean

Edward Johnson Chair of the Board of Directors, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation

5:10 p.m.

Chair of the Board of Directors, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation

Edward Johnson

Yes, it's Jesse Thistle, who wrote a very moving book on his rise, From the Ashes, having done prison time and having had a very rough ride through life. He turned himself around, got a B.A. and an M.A., and then was given a Trudeau Foundation scholarship. He has said over and over again that it changed his life. I think Canada has benefited hugely from his experience from all dimensions of his very textured life.

5:10 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative John Williamson

Thank you very much. That is our time.

Mr. Johnson, I do want to thank you.

5:10 p.m.

Bloc

Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné Bloc Terrebonne, QC

On a point of order, Mr. Chair, I'd like to have one specific very important clarification from Mr. Johnson.

Will the tax receipts and bank statements mentioned in your testimony be included in the 160 pages that are to be sent to the committee?

5:10 p.m.

Chair of the Board of Directors, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation

Edward Johnson

The receipts are included.

What was the other item you mentioned?

5:10 p.m.

Bloc

Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné Bloc Terrebonne, QC

I'm talking about the bank statements showing the gifts, where they are from, etc.

5:10 p.m.

Chair of the Board of Directors, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation

Edward Johnson

The foundation's bank statements are not included, but I could arrange to provide them.

5:10 p.m.

Bloc

Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné Bloc Terrebonne, QC

I would appreciate that. Thank you very much.

5:10 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative John Williamson

Mr. Johnson, I appreciate your coming in today. Thank you. We might see you my way, if you're ever back for one of the meetings with the Atlantic Salmon Federation.

5:10 p.m.

Chair of the Board of Directors, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation

Edward Johnson

I expect good returns.

5:10 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative John Williamson

I will suspend this meeting for a few minutes. We're going to go in camera, and we'll take up a few points up there. I know there are flights. We're going to talk about that right off the bat.

Mr. Johnson, thank you very much.

We will clear the room of people who should not be here; otherwise, you're welcome to stay, and we'll start up in about two to three minutes. Thank you.

[Proceedings continue in camera]