The Commons ethics committee has taken the unusual step of issuing summonses to two former business associates of Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault, warning them to appear for questioning or face arrest. Blacklock's Reporter says the move comes amid mounting scrutiny of Boissonnault’s ties to a company recently blacklisted by the federal government and under investigation by Alberta police.The associates, Felix Papineau and Shawna Parker of Global Health Imports, ignored prior invitations to testify, prompting New Democrat MP Matthew Green (Hamilton Centre) to caution them about the consequences of further defiance. “Have a bounty hunter knocking on your door and serving you with an official summons,” warned Green. “I strongly urge you to come to this committee and not make a mockery of the House.”The summonses follow a Conservative motion compelling the pair’s appearance. Conservative MP John Brassard (Barrie-Innisfil), chair of the ethics committee, confirmed that failure to comply could lead to arrest. “The Clerk has made a significant effort to try to contact them,” said Brassard. “We are going to utilize the tools within our disposal.”Hours before the summonses were issued, the Department of Public Works confirmed that Global Health Imports had been blacklisted from bidding on federal contracts. The suspension, effective November 22, stems from allegations under investigation by Edmonton police.“The information brought to our attention recently concerning an Edmonton Police Service investigation kind of put us at the right threshold to take action,” testified Catherine Poulin, assistant deputy minister at Public Works.The company, co-founded by Boissonnault, was initially suspended for 90 days, with the possibility of an extension. Conservative MP Garnett Genuis (Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan) urged permanent blacklisting, saying, “We would advocate a stronger position of them not being eligible for government contracts period.”Boissonnault, who held 50% of the company’s stock and earned $220,000 annually, claimed to have sold his shares in June. However, MPs previously concluded he misled Parliament when he denied contact with the company during his time in cabinet, violating the Conflict Of Interest Act.Global Health Imports also faced allegations of falsely claiming indigenous ownership to secure federal contracts. Boissonnault, who had publicly identified as Cree, faced criticism after evidence undermined his claims.“My Cree name means Strong Eagle Man,” Boissonnault told a parliamentary committee earlier, referencing a family story. He later apologized, saying, “I wasn’t as clear as I could have been about who I am and my family’s history.”The controversy intensified following Boissonnault’s resignation as Minister of Employment on November 20, a day after police confirmed their investigation into his company.
