The RCMP have revealed they are actively investigating at least seven criminal cases related to the federal Liberals’ contracting.
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme and Deputy Commissioner Mark Flynn acknowledged their active investigations of corruption and financial crime while answering questions before the House of Commons committee on public accounts.
The RCMP heads were asked to take questions after Auditor-General Karen Hogan’s February report on contracting issues connected to the ArriveCan app, which Hogan said had “glaring disregard for basic management and contracting practices.”
“There are multiple investigations going on,” said Comm. Duheme.
“How many in total?” asked Conservative MP Larry Brock.
“I’d have to see, but, numerous,” Comm. Duheme responded.
Deputy Comm. Flynn later said “more than six” investigations were ongoing, stating that he wouldn’t reveal any further details.
When MP Brock inquired whether their investigation includes contractors and subcontractors or also those who issued the contracts, namely the federal authorities, Deputy Comm. Flynn declined to confirm or deny.
Among these investigations, one is directly focused on the ArriveCan app that was designed for travelers during COVID, which cost taxpayers approximately $59.5 million, and has sparked months of controversy and committee hearings after details of outlandish spending were revealed by The Globe and Mail last year.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged in March that “significant changes” in federal procurement practices are required.
McKinsey
Canada’s Auditor General Hogan also waved red flags in April regarding the federal Liberals’ contracting practices, particularly with those involving McKinsey & Company.
About 70% of their contracts with McKinsey & Company were non-competitive, with some appearing to be specifically designed for McKinsey to win.
“There was a frequent disregard of policies and guidance that was evident by missing bid evaluations and poorly justified use of non-competitive approaches,” Hogan said.
