(OTTAWA) Justin Trudeau’s government on Tuesday wanted to “correct the information” that a deal signed with McKinsey in 2019 will not expire in 2100 after 81 years.
“This is not a contract. It is more of a supply arrangement,” Treasury Board President Mona Fortier said during question time.
She said “no monetary agreement” would bind Ottawa to the consulting firm as part of the arrangement.
“It’s more than pre-selection. […] It is a long-term practice that saves money and time for the government,” he added.me Fortier.
She said “hundreds of suppliers” have similar arrangements with the government.
The day before, Bloc Québécois MP Julie Vignola referred to this “agreement” when asked a question by one of the first witnesses heard in the context of a parliamentary inquiry into the contracts awarded by Ottawa to McKinsey.
She asked Amanda Clark, an associate professor at Carleton University’s School of Public Policy and Administration, what, in her view, justifies the deal taking so long.
“I can’t believe that at some point in 81 years, we couldn’t have experts [à l’interne] “, she commented.
Mme Clark replied that the idea of such a deal seemed “scandalous” to him. “Contract” award notice referred to by Mr.me Vignola is available online.
Under the heading “Awarded Contracts”, a notice appears and states that a contract for computer professional services has been awarded. Next to the “Total Value of Contract” indication, an amount of $0 will appear.
“Our government maintains the highest standards of openness, transparency and fiscal accountability,” concluded Smt.me Fortier.
The explanation offered did not convince Bloc MP Jean-Denis Garron. “No matter which party rules here, no matter what the voters choose, McKinsey will still be there. [en 2100] Under the contract or in the arrangements – as the Minister says – without any specific mandate. Is that what we want in a democracy? “, he began.
A parliamentary inquiry into the contracts awarded to McKinsey, led by the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates, will continue in the coming days. On Wednesday, the company’s former boss, Dominic Barton, will appear.
According to the most recent data shared by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), McKinsey has been paid $116.8 million since 2015, according to contracts awarded by the department.
“Contract data is subject to a freeze frame and change,” PSPC said in a written statement last week.
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