Supply of lobbyists
Council members with conflict of interest comes as a shock: Anand
News that six of the 17 appointees on the federal COVID-19 Supply Council are registered lobbyists has come as a surprise to the Public Works minister.
Anita Anand told the Commons government operations committee she was surprised by the conflict of interest that has led one member to resign so far, according to Blacklock’s Reporter.
“I was actually very surprised as I was completely unaware of the conflict,” said Anand. “We asked members to disclose any conflicts they may have, and this was a complete shock to me when I heard about it.”
Cathy Bennett, a former Liberal cabinet minister in Newfoundland and Labrador, resigned after it was disclosed she was director of federal contractor Dynamic Air Shelters.
Dynamic got a contract for medical shelters to the Department of Indigenous Services.
“How is it your office was not aware how inappropriate it would be for her to be on the Supply Council?” asked Manitoba New Democrat MP Niki Ashton.
“I was very surprised to learn of the issue relating to that member of the Supply Council and I accepted her resignation as soon as possible,” said Anand.
“I also instructed my team as soon as that occurred to go back and check to see if there were any similar issues that would have arisen, and we have not uncovered them.”
The council was appointed on May 3 to “provide the government advice on the procurement of critical goods and services.”