Wednesday, August 12, 2020 · sitting No. 45

Commons debates COVID-19 response as Conservatives press WE contract questions

The House devoted the bulk of the sitting to Government Orders on the COVID-19 pandemic and related matters. Conservative MP Andrew Scheer said the Prime Minister cancelled Parliament for months and replaced it with limited sitting days to avoid accountability over the WE contract and other matters. Liberal MP Bardish Chagger said the Prime Minister and ministers appeared at committee to answer questions directly and that the government worked with the public service to deliver programs during the pandemic.

Conservative MP Andrew Scheer asked why the government awarded a $900-million contract to a unilingual organization with no presence in Quebec. Liberal MP Bardish Chagger said the contribution agreement was prepared in both official languages and covers all provinces and territories including indigenous communities.

Liberal MP Rachel Bendayan said both the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance appeared before committee to answer opposition questions. Conservative MP Michael Barrett said Parliamentarians still have unanswered questions about government scandals.

From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard