Commentary
ArriveCan was a disaster from the start, causing chaos for anyone entering the country in the name of efficiency. The financial scandal surrounding this project, led by the Trudeau government, was shocking in its magnitude. It was revealed that the principal contractor, GC Strategies, and its predecessor Coredal, received contracts worth over $107 million in 12 years.
In response to mounting pressure, the government suspended GC Strategies’ security status and barred them from future tenders. The prime minister pledged to investigate any wrongdoing, but skepticism remains high given the lack of transparency and accountability in the procurement process.
The failure of ArriveCan not only resulted in a significant financial loss for taxpayers but also subjected travelers to a cumbersome and inefficient arrival process. The program’s flaws and exorbitant costs underscore the urgent need for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible.
Even if the project came in on budget and on schedule, it was still a disaster, and it is important for the country to hold those responsible accountable. Public accounts committees have a history of uncovering wrongdoings and excesses, leading to political repercussions. In a notable example from 1936, Maurice Duplessis of the Union Nationale ended the long reign of the Quebec Liberal Party by exposing government officials for extravagant spending, such as a minister charging $10 for a pair of shorts. Duplessis also revealed that the brother of the premier had been pocketing interest from government accounts. While the current situation may not be as dramatic, the mishandling of funds in the ArriveCan project and connections to WE Charity should be thoroughly investigated. It is crucial for the public interest that the truth about the ArriveCan debacle is uncovered and not swept under the rug.
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