In a move aimed at uncovering accountability within the government’s handling of the ArriveCan app, Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer, alongside ethics critic Michael Barrett, unveiled a pivotal party motion set to be introduced at the government operations committee.
GC Strategies, the company under scrutiny, was flagged in a recent report by Auditor General Karen Hogan regarding its involvement with the ArriveCan app. The firm has purportedly secured nearly $258 million in federal contracts since 2015, raising eyebrows about its role and accountability in the development and management of the app.
Scheer emphasized the importance of holding individuals from GC Strategies accountable, particularly in light of revelations from the Auditor General’s report. “It’s incredibly important when we have this report from the auditor general that revealed the mishandling of taxpayer funds and the lack of proper management oversight,” Scheer stated during the announcement.
The motion comes as a response to GC Strategies’ repeated refusal to appear before the committee despite previous summonses. “The effect of today’s motion will be to use the full power of the House of Commons to have these individuals appear before the committee,” Scheer explained, underscoring the urgency of the matter.
The ArriveCan app, initially intended to streamline border entry processes, came under scrutiny following reports of mismanagement, cost overruns, and technical glitches. Auditor General Karen Hogan’s report highlighted significant shortcomings in the app’s development and implementation, leading to erroneous quarantine orders for thousands of Canadians.
Ethics critic Michael Barrett echoed Scheer’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. “Canadians deserve answers and accountability, and that’s what our motion is calling for,” Barrett asserted, emphasizing the fundamental responsibility of public officials to uphold the trust of taxpayers.
However, the motion faces potential challenges, particularly from the NDP and Liberal coalition. Scheer expressed concern over the possibility of opposition from the NDP, citing their previous actions in defending Prime Minister Justin Trudeau amidst scandals. “If the NDP vote against our motion this afternoon, it is crystal clear that they’re not actually interested in cleaning up Justin Trudeau’s corruption and scandals,” Scheer stated.
As the government operations committee prepares to convene, all eyes are on Parliament Hill, awaiting the outcome of this pivotal motion.