ArriveCan contractor grilled in House of Commons in rare reprimand

For the first time in over 100 years, the House of Commons has reprimanded a private citizen over the ArriveCan app, in the latest development in a widening scandal over the nearly $60 million pandemic-era project.

GC Strategies partner Kristian Firth – whose firm is the contractor behind the program – was admonished and grilled Wednesday, after he refused to answer questions to a parliamentary committee and was held in contempt of Parliament.

It’s just the latest example of ArriveCan fallout as MPs point fingers over the Liberal government’s failure to manage development of the COVID-era app.

A hush fell over the House of Commons as Firth appeared before the bar of the House.

“On behalf of the House of Commons, I admonish you,” Speaker Greg Fergus said directly to Firth, who stood upright and did not look away.

In addition, Firth was ordered to respond to questions that he refused to answer during a House committee meeting last month. His testimony was delivered under oath and under the authority of the House.

The rare appearance came after the RCMP executed what Firth confirmed was a search warrant at his property. An RCMP spokesperson said Wednesday that the search “was not related to the ArriveCan investigation,” and Firth said police were looking for electronic goods related to another matter.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre and several cabinet ministers left prior to Firth’s public scolding.

Firth insisted in the House that while his answers were at times “obtuse,” he was not evading MPs’ questions. He said he also apologized to MPs in writing.

“I’m making history right now. I think I’ve acknowledged I’ve made mistakes in previous committees,” Firth said, who was given 10 minute breaks