Hansard--Canadians paid nearly $10 million to rent a vacant building from one of the Prime Minister's Liberal friends in the Liberal Senate

Hansard: Question Period May 2, 05

Government Contracts

Mr. Pierre Poilievre (Nepean—Carleton, CPC): Mr. Speaker, a lease contract between Liberal Senator Paul Massicotte and the Liberal government once again turned into a taxpayers' nightmare.

I am trying to understand the logic. The government paid Senator Massicotte's company $10 million over one year for a building that was serving no purpose, except perhaps that of squandering public funds.

Why did this government pay millions of dollars to the Liberal senator's company to rent a vacant building for no apparent reason?
[English]

Hon. Scott Brison (Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the lease contract was awarded under a fair and open tender process and was overseen by a fairness monitor, KPMG. The winner of the competitive contract on the basis of the least cost was the firm of Alexis Nihon, which is a large, publicly traded firm that owns over 50 commercial properties across Canada.

Occupation of the building took time because of the amalgamation of the National Archives and the National Library into one entity. Because of the fit up requirements to meet specialized technical requirements it did take longer.

However I am pleased to say that the building is 70% occupied and will be 100% occupied by July.

Mr. Pierre Poilievre (Nepean—Carleton, CPC): Mr. Speaker, where I come from people start paying rent when they move into the place.

The government has been paying half a million dollars per month to the company of a Quebec Liberal senator for a building that was totally empty for an entire year, and half empty for the last six months. Only in Liberal wonderland would that be considered a good deal.

Will the Prime Minister stand in the House and explain to us why Canadians paid nearly $10 million to rent a vacant building from one of his Liberal friends in the Liberal Senate?

Hon. Scott Brison (Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, perhaps the hon. member is referring to the fact that the building is located in Quebec. It is interesting that he should do that given that his riding is on the border on the Ottawa side, but perhaps it speaks to his opposition to the 75:25 rule where we are working to ensure that 25% of the employees of the federal government are in Quebec.

Why is he attacking our efforts to ensure equity in the national capital region? Why is he playing petty politics with a genuine effort by the federal government to ensure equity within the national capital region and that Quebec is treated fairly on this issue? [. . . . ]

Note: Mr. Brison has a hearing problem, it appears. Or did he deliberately misunderstand the topic?

The Liberals "ensure equity" with this kind of deal?

---