Minister Mary Ng is under investigation by the Conflict of Interest Commissioner

Conservative MP James Bezan asked Commissioner Mario Dion to look into the contract awarded in the spring of 2020 to the Pomp and Circumstance firm of Ms. Of for media training for its staff.

The value of the contract itself is only about $ 1,000, but conservatives believe this raises questions about whether any conflict of interest policies were violated, because Amanda Alvaro, a co-founder of the company, was will be friends with Ms. Ng.

The Conservatives cited a Twitter post in July 2018 by Ms. Alvaro when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reshuffled his cabinet and named Ms. By the Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion. Ms Alvaro then shared her photo while hugging Ms Ng, saying she greeted him. Dear friend.

By Ms. Alvaro or his company has not yet responded to requests to comment on the case.

In his initial request for an investigation, MP Bezan cited certain sections of the Conflict of Interest Act that he believed Commissioner Dion could investigate.

In his response published on Monday, Mr. Dion confirmed that he would check if Ms. Of himself in a conflict of interest situation, whether he used any influence to advance the personal interests of a loved one, and whether he was challenged when the decision was made to award this contract.

A spokesman for Ms Ng said on Monday that the Minister has always strictly followed all the rules and contracts are reviewed to ensure compliance with procurement protocols.

Various companies have provided media training, which is important to help the Minister and members of his communications team inform Canadian small businesses, workers and families of the assistance programs available to them at the height of the pandemic. .answer by Alice Hansen in The Canadian Press.

Minister Ng has not yet made a decision on this contractsaid Ms. Hansen.