Linked statement

“The Commissionaires is Canada's largest employer of veterans. The government broke its promise to veterans by ending the rule that gave the Commissionaires first priority for federal security contracts. Instead of hiring our veterans, the government gave a contract to an American company. I want the government to bring back this priority for the Commissionaires, work with them, and vote for our motion.”

“Mr. Speaker, in 1925, the Commissionaires were founded on one commitment: that those who served Canada would come home and not be forgotten. Today, it is the largest private sector employer of veterans in Canada, standing watch at federal buildings across the country. This year, that commitment was betrayed. With the single stroke of a pen, the Minister of Veterans Affairs ended the right of first refusal instead of working with the Commissionaires to modernize the agreement. Despite that order not taking effect until next year, the CRA awarded a security contract to the subsidiary of an American company that holds contracts with ICE and the Trump deportation program. At election time, the Liberals wrap themselves in our flag, and at contract time, they pay Americans. The Prime Minister promised that Canada would be its own best customer. Veterans were promised that they would not be forgotten. Both promises are broken. I call on the government to restore the right of first refusal, to work with the Commissionaires and to support our opposition day motion.”