Canada’s Auditor General recently released an audit report on the $54 million ArriveCAN app, revealing that its cost has now escalated to nearly $60 million with many missing pieces. In response to this report, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and other federal departments involved with ArriveCAN have issued a statement.
The CBSA defended the app by stating that it was built during an extraordinary time and on an emergency basis. They emphasized that ArriveCAN data played a crucial role in Canada’s COVID-19 monitoring program for early detection of new variants and was essential for the government’s ability to monitor, assess, and respond to the pandemic.
Additionally, CBSA highlighted that using the app instead of a paper-based form improved the speed and quality of information collected at the border. It also saved travellers approximately five minutes each time they crossed the border, effectively reducing wait times and facilitating travel and trade.
Despite these claims, the audit report revealed that a two-person team was paid $20 million to find outsourced contractors for ArriveCAN, but they did not do any actual work. Procurement processes were not followed, documentation was missing, and it is impossible to determine the total cost of the app.
The lack of accountability or consequences for the overspent $60 million is concerning. With so many gaps found in this project, steps need to be taken to ensure better management of such projects in the future.
It seems Canadian taxpayers are left with more questions than answers regarding this matter. As we await further developments on this story, stay tuned for more updates!
