Janice Charette, a federal executive critical of the House of Commons over a China spy scandal, yesterday was appointed Clerk of the Privy Council on a permanent basis..“Janice’s leadership and expertise as head of the public service of Canada is vital,” the Prime Minister said in a statement..Charette held the $343,000-a year post on an interim basis since March 9, 2021. Charette last June 24 would not comment on a memo obtained by Blacklock’s in which she was critical of the House of Commons over an alleged security breach. “This was a very unusual situation,” wrote Charette..“Appearing before Parliament is part of our duties as public servants,” wrote Charette, adding that it "does have limits.".Iain Stewart, then-president of the Public Health Agency, last June 21 was cited for contempt on the floor of the House after he defied four separate orders to disclose records over the hiring of Chinese scientists at the Agency’s National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg. The scientists included researchers affiliated with the People’s Liberation Army who were abruptly fired following an RCMP raid..Stewart’s public shaming was the first House of Commons censure of a federal employee since 1891. Clerk Charette called it “a difficult situation,” “a very unusual situation,” and defended Stewart as “one of our colleagues” and an example to all..“The situation was extremely challenging and I am particularly concerned by the personal nature of the commentary in relation to Iain’s actions,” wrote Charette, adding: “He acted in a way that represents public service values and ethics.”.“Iain demonstrated exemplary professionalism,” wrote Charette. She did not identify any critics of the Public Health Agency by name..“I believe Iain’s treatment has been unfair and regrettable,” said Charette. The censure for contempt did not result in any penalty or loss of benefits. “I am grateful for his leadership,” she added..Stewart in testimony last June 18 at the House of Commons health committee said he was worried about “immunity” if he were to disclose records on Chinese employees. “Is that what this is about, Mr. Stewart, your own hide?" asked New Democrat MP Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway)..MPs at a March 22, 2021 hearing of the Special Commons Committee on Canada-China Relations expressed anger over Stewart’s refusal to answer questions..“I’m not really at liberty to talk about that sir,” said Stewart. “What do you mean, you’re ‘not at liberty’ to talk about that? You’re in a parliamentary committee here,” replied Bloc Québécois MP Stéphane Bergeron (Montarville, Que.)..“Mr. Stewart, has there ever been a case where any government lab has fired scientists as a result of security breaches?” asked Conservative MP Garnett Genuis (Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.). “That’s a very difficult question to answer,” replied Stewart..“Well, I’m glad you have a bloody senior office in this country where you’re supposed to account to parliamentarians and the Canadian people,” said MP Genuis. “Now answer the damn question.”.Lab records to date have not been fully disclosed. MPs on May 16 voted 168 to 155 to reopen a committee investigation of Chinese espionage in Canada.
Janice Charette, a federal executive critical of the House of Commons over a China spy scandal, yesterday was appointed Clerk of the Privy Council on a permanent basis..“Janice’s leadership and expertise as head of the public service of Canada is vital,” the Prime Minister said in a statement..Charette held the $343,000-a year post on an interim basis since March 9, 2021. Charette last June 24 would not comment on a memo obtained by Blacklock’s in which she was critical of the House of Commons over an alleged security breach. “This was a very unusual situation,” wrote Charette..“Appearing before Parliament is part of our duties as public servants,” wrote Charette, adding that it "does have limits.".Iain Stewart, then-president of the Public Health Agency, last June 21 was cited for contempt on the floor of the House after he defied four separate orders to disclose records over the hiring of Chinese scientists at the Agency’s National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg. The scientists included researchers affiliated with the People’s Liberation Army who were abruptly fired following an RCMP raid..Stewart’s public shaming was the first House of Commons censure of a federal employee since 1891. Clerk Charette called it “a difficult situation,” “a very unusual situation,” and defended Stewart as “one of our colleagues” and an example to all..“The situation was extremely challenging and I am particularly concerned by the personal nature of the commentary in relation to Iain’s actions,” wrote Charette, adding: “He acted in a way that represents public service values and ethics.”.“Iain demonstrated exemplary professionalism,” wrote Charette. She did not identify any critics of the Public Health Agency by name..“I believe Iain’s treatment has been unfair and regrettable,” said Charette. The censure for contempt did not result in any penalty or loss of benefits. “I am grateful for his leadership,” she added..Stewart in testimony last June 18 at the House of Commons health committee said he was worried about “immunity” if he were to disclose records on Chinese employees. “Is that what this is about, Mr. Stewart, your own hide?" asked New Democrat MP Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway)..MPs at a March 22, 2021 hearing of the Special Commons Committee on Canada-China Relations expressed anger over Stewart’s refusal to answer questions..“I’m not really at liberty to talk about that sir,” said Stewart. “What do you mean, you’re ‘not at liberty’ to talk about that? You’re in a parliamentary committee here,” replied Bloc Québécois MP Stéphane Bergeron (Montarville, Que.)..“Mr. Stewart, has there ever been a case where any government lab has fired scientists as a result of security breaches?” asked Conservative MP Garnett Genuis (Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.). “That’s a very difficult question to answer,” replied Stewart..“Well, I’m glad you have a bloody senior office in this country where you’re supposed to account to parliamentarians and the Canadian people,” said MP Genuis. “Now answer the damn question.”.Lab records to date have not been fully disclosed. MPs on May 16 voted 168 to 155 to reopen a committee investigation of Chinese espionage in Canada.
