Mr. Speaker, the firms were not hand-picked as the hon. member alleges. They were picked pursuant to treasury board rules in an open competition. Nine firms qualified and they were awarded contracts in 2001. They were put on a standing offer. I can name them for the House: Armada, Bristol Group, Communication Coffin, Compass Communications Inc., Gosselin Relations publiques, Groupaction, Groupe Everest, Lafleur and TNC.
In the House of Commons on May 21st, 2002. See this statement in context.