Public Accounts

The committee was debating a Bloc Québécois motion to study IT contract management, focusing on the Benefits Delivery Modernization (BDM) program and its cost overruns. The motion originally sought a broad production of documents dating back to 2017. The discussion centred on whether to proceed with a massive document dump or to conduct a more focused study with witnesses.

Liberal members argued that the document request was too voluminous and costly, and proposed instead that the committee request the Auditor General to undertake a report on BDM and initiate a study with senior officials. They moved several amendments to narrow the scope, including removing references to the Privy Council and Prime Minister's Office, limiting the document production period to the previous 24 months, and restricting the study to two meetings. The Bloc member insisted on including a specific briefing note from the Clerk of the Privy Council to the Prime Minister from May 2022, which he argued was crucial for accountability.

The committee did not reach a final decision on the motion or the amendments. Debate was ongoing, with several amendments adopted on division, including removing references to the Privy Council and Prime Minister's Office, and adding a request for the specific May 2022 briefing note. Other amendments, such as limiting the document timeline and the number of meetings, were proposed but not yet voted on. The meeting was adjourned without a final resolution.