Transparency: Motions for the production of papers—Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates—July 23, 2020
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Context
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has been ordered by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO), and is preparing to provide records for, 3 motions for the production of papers. The production of papers motions exercise is a challenging undertaking for any organization, especially during COVID-19, however, it does provide an opportunity to facilitate transparency and accountability.
Key messages
- In order to protect the integrity of procurement processes, as well as the integrity of global supply chains, PSPC needs to exercise caution at this time about divulging procurement information
- In this environment, the disclosure of certain procurement information could jeopardize orders and compromise Canada’s negotiating position, in particular in international markets
- Consequently, while some general information has been released regarding Canada’s COVID-19 purchases, most contract information has not been disclosed to date
- The application of a national security exception (NSE) does not absolve a department of its obligation to proactively disclose contracts; however, the Access to Information Act contains provisions that provide heads of organizations discretion around disclosure
- Relevant documents are being gathered and assessed with the goal of maximizing transparency
Motion 1: Member of Parliament Kelly Block
Overall subject matter: Contract and company information related to personal protective equipment (PPE)
Adopted: June 5, 2020
Due to committee: August 3, 2020
Coordinated by: Health Canada
On June 5, 2020, a motion on the production of papers from member of Parliament (MP) Kelly Block (Conservative Party of Canada) requesting briefing notes, memorandums for information, memorandums for decision, and documents related to the final contracts regarding the supply of PPE by the Government of Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic by August 3, 2020, was adopted unanimously by OGGO.
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and specifically during committee appearances, parliamentarians have inquired numerous times about the companies receiving contracts for the procurement of PPE. The questions revolved around advance payments, sole-source contracts, and contract specific details.
Motion 2: Member of Parliament Matthew Green
Overall subject matter: Stockpiling, management, disposal and replenishment of medical equipment and supplies
Adopted: May 29, 2020
Due to committee: August 30, 2020
Coordinated by: Health Canada—Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
On May 29, 2020, a motion for the production of papers from MP Matthew Green (New Democratic Party (NDP)) requesting all briefing notes, memos and emails from senior officials, prepared for the Minister of Health, the President of PHAC, the Chief Medical Health Officer of Canada, and the Minister of Public Service and Procurement between 2010 and the present day, regarding the stockpiling, management, disposal and replenishment of medical equipment and supplies in the national emergency strategic stockpile (NESS) was adopted unanimously by OGGO.
Throughout PSPC committee appearances, parliamentarians have enquired about the readiness of the NESS, the roles of PSPC and PHAC in the management of the stockpile, and the disposal of products from the NESS.
Motion 3: Member of Parliament Matthew Green
Overall subject matter: Disaggregated data related to businesses owned by under-represented groups
Adopted: June 19, 2020
Due to committee: August 31, 2020
Coordinated by: PSPC and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
On June 19, 2020, a second motion for the production of paper from MP Matthew Green (NDP) requesting disaggregated data related to businesses owned by under-represented groups who were contracted by PSPC regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and all records from ESDC relating to the Federal Contractors Program, was adopted unanimously by OGGO.