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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 301

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
April 17, 2024 02:00PM
Context: House Hansard - 301 - Apr/17/24
Mr. Kristian Firth
  • Apr/17/24 5:39:09 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, again, as a result of the admonishment, I see there are a lot of mistakes I have made. That is why I am here, so the answer would be yes.
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Ms. Elizabeth May
  • Apr/17/24 5:39:21 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, in response to questions from the hon. member for Mégantic—L'Érable, Mr. Firth similarly had said earlier today, “I made mistakes”. Is it correct to say that, when the witness says “I made mistakes”, he is acknowledging that he behaved in ways that amounted to a contempt of Parliament by being deliberately misleading, evasive and dishonest? I would suggest that most Canadians would not consider these to be mistakes, but deliberate efforts to mislead Parliament.
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Mr. Kristian Firth
  • Apr/17/24 5:40:02 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, they were mistakes. I have a lot of respect for this, and this was not to be deliberately misleading.
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Ms. Elizabeth May
  • Apr/17/24 5:40:10 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I would like, in the last few moments we have here with the witness, to put myself in the position of a Canadian watching this on television, and wondering how this could happen. I think it is clear on a factual basis, and respecting this place and everyone in it, that there has been here, in this example, as the Auditor General has found and as the ombudsman has found, an appalling failure of our procurement process. It is completely unacceptable, and the individuals involved at GC Strategies, particularly Mr. Firth and his partner, have benefited personally from what can best be described as extremely dodgy business practices. I would like to ask, on behalf of the people of Canada, an obvious question. I am not suggesting there is an answer, but I would like to ask Mr. Firth if he is a member of any political party. Does he donate to any particular party? Has he been involved in currying favour with any party or political parties in this country?
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Mr. Kristian Firth
  • Apr/17/24 5:41:23 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, no, I have not.
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Ms. Elizabeth May
  • Apr/17/24 5:41:28 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am pursuing evidence that the witness gave to the government operations committee on October 20. It is a very interesting skill set that the witness has, to obtain these various contracts. Mr. Firth said, “between my business partner Darren and me, we have 30 years of experience dealing with IT companies, whether we are dealing with independent consultants or we have had the luxury of dealing with true subject matter firms.... [We] build a network in which we know the people”. Is it the case that the business experience that gained him millions of dollars, to his personal benefit, amounts to him having an extensive Rolodex of people in the Ottawa area whom he entertains?
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Mr. Kristian Firth
  • Apr/17/24 5:42:24 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it has afforded us the luxury of having a large Rolodex of resources we can use and get them contracts from the federal government.
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Ms. Elizabeth May
  • Apr/17/24 5:42:40 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, given the experience here, and knowing that the witness has health challenges, all I can ask is this: Is he not ashamed?
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Mr. Kristian Firth
  • Apr/17/24 5:42:55 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, do I have to answer that?
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The Speaker
  • Apr/17/24 5:42:59 p.m.
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Yes, you do.
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Mr. Kristian Firth
  • Apr/17/24 5:43:01 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am not ashamed.
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The Speaker
  • Apr/17/24 5:43:05 p.m.
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It is my duty to inform the House that Mr. Firth's presence at the bar is no longer required and that the order is discharged. Mr. Firth, you are now excused from the bar and will be escorted out by the Sergeant-at-Arms.
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The Speaker
It being 5:44 p.m., the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at third reading stage of Bill S-209 under Private Members' Business. Call in the members.
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The Deputy Speaker
  • Apr/17/24 6:14:00 p.m.
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I declare the motion carried.
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Hon. Bardish Chagger
  • Apr/17/24 6:14:03 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for unanimous consent to submit a membership report for some membership changes that all parties have agreed to.
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The Deputy Speaker
  • Apr/17/24 6:14:03 p.m.
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Is it agreed? Some hon. members: Agreed.
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Hon. Bardish Chagger (Waterloo, Lib.)
  • Apr/17/24 6:15:10 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 104 and 114, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 64th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs regarding the membership of committees of the House. I ask that the House give its consent so that I may move concurrence in the 64th report now.
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The Deputy Speaker
  • Apr/17/24 6:15:30 p.m.
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All those opposed to the hon. member's moving the motion will please say nay. It is agreed. The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay.
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Mr. Peter Julian
  • Apr/17/24 6:16:08 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I would hope we would have unanimous consent for a motion to have a brief period for the presentation of petitions before going to Private Members' Business.
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The Deputy Speaker
  • Apr/17/24 6:16:23 p.m.
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All those opposed to the hon. member's moving the motion will please say nay. Some hon. members: Nay.
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