View from the Hill is a monthly series in which Newmarket-Aurora MP Tony Van Bynen answers questions about the major federal issues of the day in a video format.
Newmarket-Aurora Liberal MP Tony Van Bynen defended the government’s COVID-19 relief as it faces scrutiny after an auditor-general’s report.
The report released last week found that although relief efforts helped the economy rebound, $4.6 billion went to those ineligible, with another $27.4 billion needing scrutiny.
In this month’s View From the Hill, NewmarketToday asked Van Bynen to speak to the report. The regular video series offers updates from Ottawa. NewmarketToday provides topics of discussion before the interview, but not specific questions.
A summary of the interview is below:
Q: Last week, the auditor general released a report regarding the federal government’s COVID-19 spending. Although it found the government quickly offered relief, it found $4.6 billion went to the ineligible and another $27.4 billion need further scrutiny. What do you think of the report and the critique the government is getting due to it?
Independent review is important, Van Bynen said. But he added it is important to keep in mind the unprecedented situation the government was facing at the time.
“The intent of the government was to make sure we didn’t end up having a social or economic crisis, and that people were safe,” he said.
It was a conscious decision by the government to ensure funds got out there quickly, and that there would be a subsequent process to follow up and recover some of the money given out incorrectly.
“It’s important there is good value for the taxpayer, but at the same time, that the social supports were there when they were needed.”
Q: How does the government weigh the need to get some money back versus the difficult economic times, and concerns about taking back money from those who may not be in good financial shape?
The recovery process should evolve as it goes along, Van Bynen said.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that the approach will be empathetic and supportive and that we’re going to make every effort to understand the situation and circumstances of those individuals.”
Q: Earlier this month, we saw the end of hearings in the inquiry into the government’s use of the Emergency Act to address the Ottawa Convoy back in February. What is your outlook on whether or not these hearings, and the findings, will reassure the public about the government’s actions?
It is too soon to speculate on the outcome of the hearings, Van Bynen said.
The inquiry is a part of the requirement of the legislation. He said there will likely be opportunities to learn what could be done better.
“I’m quite convinced the government will take those recommendations seriously,” Van Bynen said about the commission findings. “There’s no doubt in my mind when that was invoked, it was appropriate, and it was done on the basis that it was intended to be.
Q: There have been reports of another version of the convoy happening again next year. What have the discussions been like in government around that? How is the government preparing?
Van Bynen said he is not privy to government discussions on the possible sequel to the Ottawa convoy.
“That’s all going to be within the people who are looking after the public safety elements in Ottawa, provincially and on the federal level,” he said.
Q: The province plans to open up portions of the Greenbelt for development, which Parks Canada has now weighed in with some concern about. Where do you stand on the use of Greenbelt land to try to build housing and address shortages?
“As a resident of Ontario, I think that implementing the Greenbelt was critical, important and necessary,” Van Bynen said.
Still, he added that the matter is within provincial jurisdiction. However, he said the federal government made submissions where the decision stands to encroach on federal land.
“We need to make sure if we disagree with what’s happening, our MPPs are advised.”
