GC Strategies’ owners, Kristian Firth and Darren Anthony, have been summoned to appear before the government operations committee in light of the ongoing ArriveCan app controversy. This development comes after the Conservative party successfully pushed a motion last Wednesday, following a day of extended debates on amendments. The committee chair will determine the dates for Firth and Anthony’s testimony.
If the owners fail to appear, the House of Commons Sergeant at Arms may take them into custody to ensure compliance. However, issuing a warrant for their arrest requires the House’s endorsement and is not an automatic step.
The renewed scrutiny of the ArriveCan app stems from auditor general Karen Hogan’s revelation of its exorbitant cost of nearly $60 million, with missing paper trails preventing an exact final tally. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged that rules were not followed during the app’s development.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre emphasized the need for GC Strategies and its employees to testify under oath at a parliamentary committee. The RCMP’s review of Hogan’s report has added another layer of investigation into the app’s development and financial mismanagement.
The ongoing situation surrounding the ArriveCan app has led to finger-pointing and blame-shifting regarding contractor hiring practices. It is puzzling how over $60 million in taxpayer funds cannot be traced without consequences when individuals can face repercussions for not paying $50 in taxes.
Phones Canada will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide updates as it unfolds on our blog. Stay tuned for more information on telecommunications news and developments.
