Is My MP a Landlord?

Conflict of interest screens are preventive compliance measures, agreed upon pursuant to section 29 of the Conflict of Interest Act (Act) by a public office holder and the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, to assist public office holders in avoiding conflicts of interest. Screens also seek to minimize the possibility of conflicts arising between the public duties of the public office holder and their private interests or those of their relatives and friends.

The Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner and I have agreed that a conflict of interest screen is an appropriate compliance measure for me, aimed at preventing any opportunity to further the private interests of my friend, Ms. Elsie Lefebvre, Director of La Ruche Greater Montreal, or to give preferential treatment to La Ruche Solution de financement, while I exercise my official powers, duties and functions as a reporting public office holder.

Accordingly, I have agreed to abstain from any discussion or decision in relation to La Ruche Solution de financement. I also agree not to have any communication with government officials in relation to any matter or decision-making processes affecting my friend's interests.

This screen is co-administered by the President of Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions and my Chief of Staff to ensure that I am neither made aware of nor participate in any official matters or decision-making processes involving my friend's private interests, unless the interest in the decision or matter is of general application. Moreover, all authorities for decisions on matters that form part of this screen will be exercised by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

The Prime Minister of Canada, the Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet, the Parliamentary Secretary, the members of my ministerial staff, as well as necessary public servants have been informed in writing about this conflict of interest screen.

I have undertaken to inform the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner at the earliest opportunity of all changes of which I become aware that relate to or should form part of the above list of matters caught by this screen.

In the event that I am made aware of a matter that forms part of this screen or any such matter comes before me, I am required under section 21 of the Act to recuse myself from that matter. I must so inform the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner and, where appropriate, make a public declaration of recusal pursuant to subsection 25(1) of the Act.

Sole ownership of two rental properties located in Montreal, Quebec

Gift (Code)

Nature

Services of a non-partisan paid intern working in my Member's office from March 20th to June 16, 2022

Source

Canadian Political Science Association

Circumstances

Through the Parliamentary Internship Programme, interns interview the MP they choose to work with. The interns are university graduates who were trained by the House of Commons prior to working in Members' offices.

Three mortgages with Desjardins

Mortgage with National Bank of Canada

Home equity line of credit with Desjardins

Last and next 12 months: rental income

On May 22, 2024, in the exercise of my official duties, I recused myself from any discussion or decision regarding the appointment of my friend Marc Beaudet to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, in order to prevent any opportunity to further his private interest.

President and CEO of Artisans de la brique Inc., a masonry company

Significant interest in Artisans de la brique Inc., a business specializing in masonry restoration, Longueuil, Quebec

Last and next 12 months: Dividends from Artisans de la brique Inc.

Obligation to provide a confidential report has been met and all initial reporting and compliance measures have been taken to comply with the Conflict of Interest Act.