Ottawa –
The federal Conflicts of Interest and Ethics Commissioner said Trade Secretary Marie Wu broke the rules when her office awarded the contract to a friend of hers.
After the federal Conservatives filed a complaint in the spring, Commissioner Mario Dion released a report today that raised concerns about the fact that Wu’s office awarded the media training contract to Pomp and Circumstance.
The company was co-founded and run by Ng’s friend, Amanda Alvaro.
Dion said the minister did not recuse himself from the decision to award the contract, which violated conflict of interest laws.
“There is simply no reason to sign with a friend’s company,” the commissioner said.
In a statement posted to Twitter, Ng said she accepted “full responsibility for her actions” and should recuse herself.
The Canadian Press report was first published on December 13, 2022.