In the House - Defence Contracts

Question Period - Monday February 6, 2012 

Mr. David Christopherson (Hamilton Centre, NDP): Mr. Speaker, contractors doing work on a military base in Saskatchewan reportedly doctored invoices to pad their bill and the same contractor allegedly charged Defence Construction Canada more than $2,800 for small tools. Who, in his or her right mind, hires a contractor that does not even have the tools to do the job?

Hon. Rona Ambrose (Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, CPC): Mr. Speaker, as I said, we feel very strongly that the government has an obligation to ensure that we get the best value for taxpayers' dollars.

It is important to note that while this report has been shared with the media by the union, it has not been shared with us. As soon as we receive it, I can assure the member that any documented allegations will be investigated by the department. We will also communicate those documented allegations to the Auditor General's Office that, as I mentioned, is undertaking an ongoing audit right now with defence construction infrastructure.

Mr. David Christopherson (Hamilton Centre, NDP): Mr. Speaker, I want to get a clear answer.

If I am hearing the minister correctly, is she agreeing that the document that was tabled by the union, the full report, will be referred to the Auditor General with a request by the government that he look into this to get to the bottom of it? Is that exactly what the minister is committing to here today?

Hon. Rona Ambrose (Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, CPC): Mr. Speaker, it is important that my department receive the report.

As I said, not only will public works investigate these, it is important to note that the Auditor General is already conducting an audit of defence construction management. I cannot direct the Auditor General to conduct an audit, but what I can do is ensure that any of these documented allegations are brought to the attention of the Auditor General's Office. I have committed to doing that.