Ethics Commissioner To Testify Before House Committee Regarding Green Fund Violations
The Industry and Technology Committee has voted to summon the ethics commissioner to testify regarding his report on violations of conflict of interest rules associated with the now-defunct Sustainable Development Technology Canada.
“We are arranging a meeting with the ethics commissioner to review his findings, and this needs to happen promptly,” stated Conservative MP Rick Perkins on July 31. “The transition of this fund to the National Research Council is currently in progress.”
Upon the return of Parliament in September, the committee will hear from Ethics Commissioner Konrad von Finckenstein for one hour and former Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) Chair Annette Verschuren for two hours.
Hogan determined that 63 of the 90 conflict of interest violations were linked to the two COVID-19 relief payments received by the organization. She stated that these payments also violated the terms of the government contribution agreement, which prohibits blanket payments and mandates individual review for each project.
Disagreement Over When to Meet
During the Industry and Technology Committee meeting, Liberal MP Pam Damoff confirmed the consensus across parties that Verschuren had behaved improperly. She highlighted Verschuren’s history of appointments dating back to the Harper era and stressed the importance of ethical conduct in such positions.
Significant discussion at the meeting revolved around a sub-amendment to the main motion, proposing the ethics commissioner’s testimony upon Parliament’s return in September rather than within a month.
Conservative MP Michael Cooper argued for prompt testimony from the ethics commissioner, citing the gravity of the report’s findings. He also pointed out 20 additional conflicts, totaling almost $2.6 million, where Verschuren favored motions benefiting companies in which she had a stake.
NDP MP Brian Masse criticized Conservative filibustering during the previous parliamentary session for delaying discussion on the SDTC matter. He highlighted the limited actions the committee could take until the House reconvenes, even if an earlier meeting occurred.
Conservative MP Larry Brock emphasized the core principles of good governance implicated in the SDTC scandal and urged proactive investigation by committee members before Parliament’s return. He stressed the committee’s responsibility to ensure taxpayers receive value for their money.
The sub-amendment for a September meeting was approved despite Conservative opposition, and the subsequent amendment passed unanimously.