Senator Martin: Yes, it is disappointing that we haven’t been able to get the answers to those questions. As I’m sure you know, the Prime Minister made an announcement last week regarding the CEBA loans. The repayment deadline to qualify for partial loan forgiveness now includes a refinancing extension until March 28, 2024. A delayed answer I received in May stated that Accenture’s contracts were set to expire in January and February 2024.

Leader, as Accenture is running the loans collection, could you tell us if the contracts have been extended and for how much? As well, could you tell us if the Trudeau government consulted with Accenture about the repayment extension prior to the Prime Minister’s announcement last week?

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): My question is for the government leader in the Senate.

This past spring, Senator Gold, you may remember that I asked you a series of questions about the secret outsourcing of the Canada Emergency Business Account, or CEBA, small business loans program to the consulting firm Accenture. I asked you questions on May 30 and June 13 that have yet to be answered, including who made the decision to keep these sole-source contracts hidden from Parliament and taxpayers, and when Minister Freeland and Minister Ng became aware that Accenture was administering the program.

Leader, what are the answers to these questions?

Could you also tell us the current total amount paid out to Accenture?

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, I note that this item is at day 15, and I am not ready to speak at this time. Therefore, with leave of the Senate and notwithstanding rule 4-15(3), I move the adjournment of the debate for the balance of my time.