Mr. Speaker, last Thursday I asked a question of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services concerning the relocation of Revenue Canada offices from Hull to Ottawa.
In her attempt to respond, the minister cast some doubt on the transparency of the process in admitting that every effort was being made by her department to have an open and fair process in the call for tenders.
The minister offers us no guarantee that would allow us to be sure all efforts have been expended to ensure transparency and equity in the process. Moreover, does this not make this government appear to the public to be the one with the least transparency?
Once again, the Liberal government has done nothing to restore public confidence. It is now a known fact that it has not been successful in curbing the lobbyists. Yet, when the Liberals were the opposition, they were tearing their hair out over transparency. The famous red book is getting a paler and paler shade of red as more and more promises are not kept.
This is a striking example of a policy with a double standard. How can the minister state that the processes are open and equitable? Why do Quebec property owners have to get tied up in government red tape, while Ontario landlords do not?
A number of questions come to mind. Could barefaced patronage be involved? Is somebody getting paid back for a favour?
A relocation such as this, involving 800 federal employees, is a luxury we could easily do without at this time. Quebec business owners have the same rights as those in Ontario. In particular, they have the right to receive the same treatment as their neighbours in Ontario.
If the minister says that the process put in place by her government for awarding accommodation is open and transparent and that it is intended to ensure equal access to all regions and to all businesses across the country, then she should suit the action to the word. She should go ahead.
The Bloc Quebecois is not opposed to calls for tender. The Bloc Quebecois would like to see a straightforward and transparent process, free of lobbyists, that leaves no discretionary authority to the minister and that will ensure equity and equality for everyone.
The Bloc Quebecois would particularly like access to different government contracts to be based, I repeat, on equity and equality.