Even though she denied the meeting took place, records show Small Business Minister Mary Ng met with former colleagues at Ryerson University before an associated group was awarded a massive $4-billion government contract, says Blacklock’s Reporter..Ng denied meeting a Ryerson lobbyist when the contract was up for review last July, a claim contradicted by commissioner of Lobbying records..“The required due diligence performed by the department was exactly that,” Ng testified at the Commons industry committee..“Transparency is something we are very committed to.”.Ng last Thursday announced a Ryerson-affiliated group called Magnet would help manage a $4 billion Canada Digital Adoption Program. Magnet will manage the placement of thousands of post-secondary students as advisors to small business on how to set up websites and manage Internet commerce..Magnet fees were not disclosed..Ng testified she did not know what the contract was worth..“What is the dollar value?” asked Conservative MP Tracy Gray (Kelowna-Lake Country, B.C.)..“Perhaps we can get you that information at a later time,” replied Ng..“You don’t know what the cost is?” asked Gray..“This is a $4 billion program,” replied Ng..“There were 10 organizations that applied. Eight had completed applications. Four were shortlisted. Magnet went through that competitive process as one of the shortlisted. I don’t know who gets selected before officials put their recommendation in front of me, so just to clarify”:.MP Gray: “Did you meet with Ryerson or Magnet representatives during the application process for this from July 8 to August 6, 2021?”Minister Ng: “No I did not.”MP Gray: “Well we see in the Lobbyist Registry that Ryerson University met with you on July 20, 2021. What was the topic of discussion at that meeting?”Minister Ng: “I will have to get back to you on that.”.“I have many meetings with many, many stakeholders,” said Ng. Lobbyist Registry records confirmed a Ryerson lobbyist met with Ng that day. The topic of the meeting was not disclosed..“Are you aware Magnet was co-created by Ryerson University in 2014?” asked Gray..“I think Magnet is a terrific organization,” replied Minister Ng..“Am I correct you were executive director at the Office of the President of Ryerson University in 2014?” asked MP Gray..“Yes,” replied Ng..“Did you recuse yourself from any cabinet decisions involving Ryerson University or Magnet due to perceived conflict of interest?” asked Gray..The minister did not reply:.MP Gray: “Did you talk to the Ethics Commissioner prior to this contract being given to Magnet?”Minister Ng: “I’d say with respect to my mandate here which is what we are talking about – ”MP Gray: “Minister, it’s a yes or no question. You’re not answering.”.“Just so we are clear, you were lobbied by Ryerson that founded Magnet from a university you led in the president’s office while the selection process was open, so I will ask again: Did you consult the Ethics Commissioner?” asked Gray..Ng did not reply..MPs questioned the point of the program in direct competition with small businesses that sell web services to clients. “In fact, there are a lot of small businesses that do this type of work,” said Gray..“Now you’ve got the government that will have these advisors actually directly competing with small businesses that do this type of digital work. They are going to be directly competing.”
