Mr. Speaker, yes, I will.
House of Commons Hansard #301 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was firth.
House of Commons Hansard #301 of the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was firth.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Protection Against Extortion Act Second reading of Bill C-381. The bill amends the Criminal Code regarding extortion, proposing mandatory minimum sentences. Supporters argue it combats rising crime and soft-on-crime policies by targeting organized crime and using arson as an aggravating factor. Opponents contend mandatory minimums are ineffective, disproportionate, and hinder efforts to prosecute organized crime leaders, while the Bloc suggests alternatives. 7900 words, 1 hour.
Mr. Speaker, yes, I will.
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Mr. Speaker, why did the government go to GC Strategies for this sort of advice?
How did GC Strategies become a favoured contractor and adviser regarding RFPs to the Government of Canada?
Mr. Speaker, I got my first contract in 2011 and have done that subsequently by just responding to RFPs. It is flattering to be a recognized person who can provide requirements and help for the federal government.
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Mr. Speaker, it is very flattering indeed. According to committee testimony, Mr. Firth received $2,600 per hour spent working on ArriveCAN. That is substantially more than the earnings of an average NHL player. It is very flattering that they came to him for advice. It is very flattering that he was paid so much.
Does he see this as a reasonable rate of compensation for what he did?
Mr. Speaker, again, in the testimony, they were quoting hours towards ArriveCAN. We had 22 other departments and 20 other contracts we were working on at the same time. It is impossible for me to spend 250 hours on one contract when I have to service and maintain other projects with other clients.
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Mr. Speaker, is the witness involved with any other companies?
Mr. Speaker, just my holdco, which is the 50% owner of GC Strategies.
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Mr. Speaker, what is that holdco, and does it do business with the Government of Canada?
Mr. Speaker, my holdco is a numbered company that was used to register the name GC Strategies.
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Mr. Speaker, does it do business with the Government of Canada directly?
Mr. Speaker, it does not.
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Mr. Speaker, the witness discussed the health of contracts outside the office with Paul Girard, Treasury Board CIO.
Did he discuss replacing resources or increasing resources at that time?
Mr. Speaker, I have had many conversations with Paul Girard. I cannot remember every single one of them.
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Mr. Speaker, did he discuss new contracts? Since he claims to be unable to answer that question, will he respond to it in writing as well?
Mr. Speaker, sorry, I thought I did answer the question.
Sitting ResumedHouse of CommonsOral Questions
The Speaker Greg Fergus
I am going to ask the hon. member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan to rephrase the question.
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Mr. Speaker, in meetings outside the office with Paul Girard, did they discuss replacing resources or increasing resources? Did they discuss new contracts? If the witness is unable to answer that question, will he provide a response in writing?
Mr. Speaker, I will respond in writing. I do not have every conversation with Mr. Girard catalogued.
Alain Therrien Bloc La Prairie, QC
Mr. Speaker, the witness said earlier that he had altered two resumés, but only after contracts were awarded. Is that correct?
Mr. Speaker, I do not think I said that earlier.
Alain Therrien Bloc La Prairie, QC
Mr. Speaker, I am sure he said that. I was there, I heard him. I do not understand why he is claiming that he did not say it.
Earlier, a Conservative asked him if he had altered two resumés and he said yes, but after he was awarded contracts. Did I mishear that?
Mr. Speaker, I did not say I doctored two résumés. I said that the business was already won. I did not amend any résumés to win any contracts, and the résumés were for a task authorization that was already won business.
Alain Therrien Bloc La Prairie, QC
Mr. Speaker, so he did not say that he altered the resumés after the contracts were awarded?
Mr. Speaker, I have never amended a contract.
Alain Therrien Bloc La Prairie, QC
Mr. Speaker, the witness told us earlier that public servants received all kinds of compensation, but only after contracts were awarded. That is what he told us.