MP Johns slams Liberals for handing CRA contract to US company linked to ICE

OTTAWA – NDP MP Gord Johns (Courtenay–Alberni) challenged the Liberal government in the House of Commons today over its decision to award a federal security contract to an American-owned company whose subsidiary reportedly holds contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the agency carrying out Trump’s mass deportations. The decision saw the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, a Canadian institution supporting veterans, lose a nearly $12-million contract to guard Canada Revenue Agency offices over a price difference of just over $80,000, less than one per cent.

“Canadians were horrified yesterday to learn that the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires lost a nearly $12-million CRA security contract to an American-owned company,” Johns told the House.

Speaking during questions and comments on Bill C-40, the Strengthening Canada’s Defence Sector Act, Johns also highlighted the company’s reported connection to the Trump administration’s deportation operations.

“Its subsidiary reportedly holds contracts with ICE, the agency carrying out Trump’s mass deportations,” Johns said in the House.

Johns questioned how awarding the contract to a foreign-owned corporation with those ties, instead of a Canadian institution supporting veterans, squares with the Liberals’ “Buy Canadian” promises. He pressed the government to support binding safeguards on Canadian ownership, veterans’ employment, labour rights, human rights, and parliamentary oversight.

“For a price difference of less than one per cent, a Canadian institution supporting veterans lost this contract to a foreign-owned corporation,” said Johns. “The government needs to explain how its procurement decisions reflect its promises to Canadian workers and those who served.”

Today’s intervention builds on Johns’ earlier late-night parliamentary challenge, and his October 13 call for the government to reverse its decision to end the Commissionaires’ right of first refusal on federal security contracts, effective April 2027. The longstanding policy supports meaningful employment for thousands of veterans transitioning to civilian life.

“These are our neighbours, veterans and people who continue to serve their communities,” said Johns. “Public procurement should recognize that contribution. Canadian jobs, veterans’ employment, and human rights need enforceable protections, backed by transparency and parliamentary oversight.”
Johns is calling on the government to explain the CRA contract decision, reverse its plan to eliminate the Commissionaires’ right of first refusal, and work with New Democrats at committee to strengthen public-interest safeguards in Bill C-40.