Ralph Goodale

[Government Contracts, May 28th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, let me try to be quite clear. The contract in question was awarded by the Department of Canadian Heritage. It was not the secretary of state's office. All Government of Canada procedures for acquiring communications services were followed.

The specific choice of Groupe Everest was made by officials in the Department of Public Works and Government Services on the basis of the agency's standing offer with that department.

[Government Contracts, May 28th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, what is important is for any contractor that does business with the Government of Canada to be able to perform the services that are contracted for, to do so in a proper manner and according to the complete rules of transparency and accountability.

I would point out that my predecessor in the department took steps earlier this spring to launch an entire new process for securing standing offers for firms in this business.

[Government Contracts, May 28th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I am not aware of the allegation that the hon. member has just made.

With respect to the issue related to the Coffin firm, which was discussed in the House yesterday, my officials have been in touch with the firm, both yesterday and today. The examination is ongoing. We are obviously seeking satisfactory answers from the company. We expect to receive those answers. If we do not, the appropriate action will be taken.

[Government Contracts, May 27th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I am still examining the administrative process by which this happens, but as I understand the process, if there are community groups and organizations that have applied for the sponsorship program like, for example, the one in the constituency of the House leader for the opposition, that are recommended by officials for approval, that list is presented to the minister. The minister must give his approval.

What I said earlier in answer to a question is that I intend to give no further approvals unless and until I am satisfied with the criteria of the program and that every--

[Government Contracts, May 27th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of speaking to Ms. Fraser earlier today and I will be meeting with her later this week, and beyond the all encompassing work being undertaken by the auditor general my officials are again reviewing all of the files in relation to the sponsorship program.

I assure the hon. gentleman that if there is any information presented to me that merits a reference to the RCMP, that reference will be made immediately.

[Government Contracts, May 27th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I presume the hon. gentleman is making a reference to the Coffin matter. He did not specify in his question if there was an item in particular to which he was referring.

Let me say that if there are any facts that come to my attention that merit a reference to the RCMP, the auditor general or any public authority for investigation that reference will be made.

[Government Contracts, May 27th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I have no personal knowledge of the matters that the hon. gentleman alleges. I will certainly make inquiries and see if I can provide any further information.

[Government Contracts, May 27th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I can assure the hon. member that my concern in this matter is just as large and just as sincere as hers. The auditor general is undertaking the appropriate examination. As well, of course, certain matters have been referred to the RCMP where that is appropriate.

The House and all Canadians can be assured that the government will co-operate fully with all those inquiries to ensure complete transparency.

[Government Contracts, May 27th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the facts in relation to the Coffin matter were revealed through an internal audit which was initiated by the department of public works itself.

As a result of that audit, corrective action was taken by at least two of my predecessors. As I informed the House earlier, I am determining at this moment whether anything further is specifically required with respect to this matter or the broader issues involved.

[Government Contracts, May 27th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, with respect to Groupaction's relationship to the sponsorship program, my predecessor took the appropriate action in terminating that relationship.

With respect to any activity that Groupaction may have in connection with any other department, that obviously is not tainted or connected by the issue with respect to sponsorships. If there is any information, it should come to the government's attention in that regard. The hon. member may be assured that the government will take the appropriate action.