Conflict of Interest Commissioner | Minister Mary Ng under investigation

(Ottawa) The federal Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner has opened an investigation into the conduct of International Trade Minister Mary Ng in relation to a contract awarded to a firm co-founded by a Liberal strategist.

Conservative MP James Bezan had asked Commissioner Mario Dion to look into the contract awarded in the spring of 2020 to the firm “Pomp and Circumstance” by the cabinet of Mr.^me Ng for the media training of his staff.

The value of the contract itself was only around $17,000, but conservatives believe it raises questions about whether any conflict of interest rules were breached, as Amanda Alvaro, one co-founders of the firm, would be a friend of Ms.^me Ng.

The curators cite a publication by M^me Alvaro on Twitter, in July 2018, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reshuffled his cabinet and appointed M^me Ng Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion. M^me Alvaro then shared a photo of herself with her arm around M^me Ng, saying she congratulated her “dear friend”.

Nor M^me Alvaro nor his firm have yet responded to requests to comment on the case.

In his initial request for an investigation, MP Bezan cites several sections of the Conflict of Interest Act which he believes Commissioner Dion could investigate.

In his response published on Monday, Mr. Dion confirms that he will examine whether Mr.^me Ng placed herself in a situation of conflict of interest, if she used any influence to promote the personal interests of a loved one, and if she recused herself when the decision was made to award this contract.

A spokesperson for M.^me Ng said on Monday that the minister “has always rigorously followed all the rules” and that contracts are being reviewed to ensure compliance with procurement protocols.

“Different firms provided media training, which was essential to help the Minister and members of her communications team inform Canadian small businesses, workers and families of the assistance programs available to them at the height of the crisis. pandemic,” Alice Hansen told The Canadian Press.

“Minister Ng has not made the decision on this contract,” said Ms.^me Hansen.