In a recent announcement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged that standard contracting protocols were overlooked in the creation of the controversial $60 million ArriveCan app during the COVID-19 pandemic. The app, launched in April 2020, was designed to collect health and contact information from individuals entering Canada while streamlining the customs and immigration declaration process.

However, the app’s development has been marred by management and financial issues. Originally budgeted at $80,000, it has now ballooned to over $60 million. The Auditor General’s report highlighted a “glaring disregard” for fundamental management and contracting practices, including an overreliance on sole-sourced external contractors.

Trudeau emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in addressing these issues. He stated that investigations are ongoing, signaling potential consequences for public servants found to have violated rules.

It’s worth noting that a two-person team from GC Strategies has been awarded $258 million worth of contracts by the Trudeau government since 2015. The small firm received approximately $20 million for helping to find outsourced workers for the ArriveCan app, with 76% of contractors reportedly doing no work on the project.

The big question now is whether Canadians will see any recovered funds from this debacle and if there will be actual consequences for those involved in its mismanagement.

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this developing story. We’ll keep you updated on any new developments as they unfold.