ArriveScam, Abduction, and a New Coalition
In this week’s newsletter I want to share some updates on the ArriveCan scandal, developments regarding the war in Ukraine and our committee’s latest study, and a few other noteworthy developments.
#ArriveScam is BIG
It’s actually a lot bigger than we realized. New revelations from journalistic research and testimonies in parliamentary committee have given us a sense of just how big. Here is a look at some of the recent committee hearings on the issue these past couple of weeks.
ArriveScam Whistleblowers Testify
Since my last newsletter went out, the Government Operations committee has heard from some key witnesses in the ArriveCan App scandal.
We heard from the whistleblowers at Botler AI. For two hours our committee listened as they painted a vivid picture of systemic corruption in the Liberal government’s procurement system. Here is my brief recap of their testimony, but you can view the entire committee hearing here.
“What Would You Say... You Do Here?”
Our next witnesses to committee were less inclined to be there. Following the whistleblower testimonies, we heard from contracting company executives. Their companies, Dalian and Coradix, have brought in over $400 million over the past 10 years in federal funding.
So I asked the question that all Canadians are scratching their heads and asking themselves: “What is it that you actually do?”
(Watch my full, unedited round of questioning here.)
Supervillain in the House!
And then the committee heard from Kristian Firth, co-owner of GC Strategies, a two-person company that has received nearly $60 million in federal funding since 2017.
In the video below, Mr. Firth admits to altering documents used in his application for government contracts, fudging the details to make them compliant with the requirements.
(You can watch the full meeting here and you can see some of his other outrageous responses to my colleagues here and here.)
Top Government Officials Accused of Lying
Our most recent hearing on the ArriveCan App saw a senior public servant, Cameron MacDonald, formerly with CBSA, accuse his then-superior of lying to committee to cover for the people responsible. According to him, the decision to give the ArriveCan contract to GC Strategies was influenced "from above".
Liberals Blocked My Bill… AGAIN
The Iranian regime is a known supporter of terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas. And while the Prime Minister claims that his government is “always open to doing more” to inhibit their activities, the Liberals once again blocked a motion to fast-track my bill. C-350 would criminalize IRGC operations here in Canada and list them as a terrorist organization.
In case you missed it, my recent column in the Sherwood Park News outlines in greater detail the Iranian regime’s role in the Israel-Hamas conflict and provides a bit of context for understanding the events that have been unfolding there this past month.
Russia Abducting Ukrainian Children
Russia has been abducting Ukrainian children as part of their genocidal invasion. Last week and this week we heard from experts on this deeply disturbing aspect of Russia’s war of aggression in the Subcommittee on International Human Rights.
Since 2022, more than 20,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted by the Putin Regime. The Russian government is actively engaged in re-education, indoctrination, and even militarization of these youth.
Ukraine and The High Cost of Inaction
People sometimes ask me about the cost of supporting Ukraine. The reality is that the cost of inaction is far greater.
I recently spoke at length on the importance of supporting our allies abroad during difficult times such as these. Listen to my full remarks here.
Liberals & Bloc Vote to Keep the Carbon Tax
In response to mounting pressure from Canadians, Premiers, and even other Liberal MPs, Trudeau opted to remove the carbon tax on home heating oil for Atlantic Canadians. But only for the next three years.
This week, Conservatives called for a vote to Axe the Carbon Tax on ALL forms of home heating, for ALL Canadians. But the Liberals came together with the Bloc in a new Carbon Tax Coalition to shut down our efforts. The motion was defeated 186-135.
Upcoming: Constituency Roundtables
I will be holding another roundtable series at my constituency office in November. These roundtables will cover a variety of themes, including your top concerns, foreign policy, defense, security, and the cost of living. These events are an excellent way for me to hear your voice and enable me to better serve our community.
As space is limited, RSVP is mandatory. To RSVP for any of the roundtables listed below, please contact the office:
by email garnett.genuis.c1@parl.gc.ca
or by phoning 780-467-4944.
All are welcome, and I look forward to seeing you there!
UPCOMING ROUNDTABLE DATES:
Tuesday, November 14th
6:00 -7:30 p.m.: Cost of Living and Government Spending
Wednesday, November 15th
6:00 -7:30 p.m.: Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Security
7:30 -9:00 p.m.: Your Top Issues
SAVE THE DATE: Christmas Open House!
Please mark your calendars and join me at our constituency office Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 16th, 2023.
I always look forward to seeing people from throughout the riding at these events. And with the holidays around the corner, you can be sure there will be some good treats in store. Stay tuned for more details.
