QUESTION PERIOD — Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Sustainable Development Technology Canada
November 6, 2024
Government leader, this morning, a newspaper in Montreal reported about Minister Guilbeault’s financial interests in a company linked to the green slush fund. The founder of this company is a former board member of the green slush fund who admitted to approving millions of taxpayers’ dollars to four companies in which she had a stake.
She recently described Minister Guilbeault’s financial interests in her company as “a kind of performance bonus.”
The Montreal newspaper says that the minister’s office has refused to give them information about his financial interest. Senator Gold, why is that? If he has nothing to hide, why not come clean with Canadians and reveal his interest?
Senator, I must confess, though I do read the newspapers — and you did not name the paper — I clearly did not read that one. I’m not in a position to answer that. I do not know the facts at all, but I certainly will look into it.
I wish we could at least be assured that you would get us the answers once you go back to your office and find out.
This green slush fund was absolutely riddled with 186 conflicts of interest. Millions were lost through corruption and waste. It was shut down in disgrace. Yet, I don’t see any evidence from the NDP-Liberals that they are trying to get back taxpayers’ money. Isn’t this report this morning yet another reason why your government should hand over the documents to the police, as ordered?
The answer is no, Senator Plett. It is inappropriate, as I have said, and as ministers have said, for the documents to which you are referring — the issue should be before a committee where these issues can be properly dealt with. It is unfortunate that in the other place your own proposal was sabotaged by your party for political purposes.
