Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is urging the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to broaden its investigation into matters related to the government’s ArriveCAN app following the release of a scathing report by Auditor General Karen Hogan.
The report highlighted significant lapses in management practices and financial oversight by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and other federal entities involved in the app’s creation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key concerns raised in Hogan’s report include irregularities in the contracting process, particularly the awarding of the initial contract to consulting firm “GC Strategies” without competitive bidding. Allegations of misconduct by CBSA employees were also under scrutiny.
Poilievre, in a letter to RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, said that the report “exposed corruption, mismanagement, and misconduct on a massive scale.” He emphasized the misuse of taxpayer dollars and violations of the CBSA Code of Conduct, including failure to disclose lavish expenses paid for by lobbyists.
During question period, Poilievre directly confronted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who assured that the RCMP would thoroughly investigate the matter and hold accountable those who violated rules or laws.
The CBSA has responded to the revelations by initiating internal reforms, including improvements in fiscal management and a commitment to thoroughly document interactions with contractors and define clear deliverables in future contracts.
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