In a fiery exchange with reporters on Parliament Hill, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre lambasted the Trudeau government following the release of Auditor General Karen Hogan’s performance audit report on the ArriveCAN app. The smartphone application, introduced by the federal government during the COVID-19 pandemic to manage international travel, came under intense scrutiny in the report.
The audit findings revealed a litany of failures in the contracting, development, and implementation of the application. Despite an initial forecast of $80,000 for the app’s creation, the report estimated the total cost to be a staggering $59.5 million. However, due to poor record-keeping by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), a precise cost couldn’t be determined, painting a picture of fiscal mismanagement.
Poilievre, not one to mince words, criticized the Trudeau government’s handling of taxpayer money, labeling the project a “corrupt app” that ballooned “750 times over budget.” He highlighted the stark contrast between the initial cost projection and the actual expenditure, illustrating what he perceives as gross negligence in financial oversight.
Moreover, Poilievre underscored the human toll of such mismanagement, citing instances where individuals, including single mothers, were wrongly quarantined due to flaws in the app. He painted a dire picture of a housing crisis and escalating violent crime, attributing these societal ills to Trudeau’s governance.
The Conservative leader’s critique extended beyond financial matters, delving into ethical concerns regarding conflicts of interest and potential impropriety in the contracting process. He raised eyebrows over subcontractors lacking proper security clearances and alleged cozy relationships between CBSA employees and contractors, suggesting a compromised integrity within the system.
Throughout the exchange, Poilievre reiterated his party’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency, promising to slash wasteful spending, cut bureaucracy, and prioritize accountability if elected. He vowed to overhaul the procurement process, reduce reliance on outside consultants, and bolster the competency of the civil service.
In response to questions regarding a purported regulatory relief package for the mainstream media, Poilievre vehemently denied any support for such measures, accusing the Trudeau government of attempting to buy favor with tax dollars. He emphasized the importance of a free and unbiased press, decrying government interference in media affairs.
As the dust settles on the Auditor General’s scathing report, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the Trudeau government’s stewardship of taxpayer funds. With the next federal election looming, Poilievre’s pointed criticisms serve as a rallying cry for accountability and change in Ottawa.