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Public Services and Procurement

During question period on public services and procurement, the Conservatives raised a question about a large government contract awarded to a satellite company said to be led by a personal friend of the Prime Minister. The Conservative member asked whether the Prime Minister had discussed the contract with his staff, saying the Conflict of Interest Act makes it illegal to help friends obtain government contracts. The Liberal minister replied that the company, Telesat, is an important Canadian satellite operator that governments have supported over the years so that Canada does not have to depend on foreign companies.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

2 statements

Pierre Poilievre

Conservative
“It is against the law for the Prime Minister to help his friends get government contracts. A company led by his personal friend received a $2-billion contract. I want the Prime Minister to answer if he discussed this contract with his staff.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the question was for the Prime Minister and concerned the rising price of gas due to Liberal taxes. There are two economies: one for the Prime Minister’s friends and another for everyone else. Under the Conflict of Interest Act, it is illegal for the Prime Minister to intervene in the awarding of contracts to companies connected to friends. Mr. Goldberg of Telesat belongs to both a book club and a running club with the Prime Minister. He has also attended two of the Prime Minister’s swearing-in ceremonies. Did the Prime Minister discuss the $2-billion contract awarded to Telesat with his staff?

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Mélanie Joly

Liberal

Linked statement

“Telesat is an important Canadian satellite company. Governments have supported it for years so Canada does not have to rely on foreign companies.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, for years, Canadians have been able to take pride in the fact that we have a company capable of operating satellites in Canada. Successive governments have supported this company because we believe it is important for Canada not to rely on foreign companies, but rather to rely on companies that manufacture here at home. That is why Telesat is such an important company.

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