The parliamentary hearings investigating the $54-million project to develop the ArriveCan app have entered a puzzling phase, leaving MPs grasping at straws to uncover the truth. In their quest to determine the selection process for the two-person firm, GCStrategies, confusion and evasion have become the hallmarks of the proceedings.
Former government official, Cameron MacDonald, set off a chain reaction of accusations when he pointed the finger at his ex-colleague, Minh Doan. MacDonald claimed that Doan had chosen GCStrategies for the project and had even resorted to threats and lies to preserve his image. However, when compelled to offer a straightforward response, Doan skillfully dodged the question, leaving doubts lingering in the minds of MPs.
Digging deeper into the labyrinthine testimonies, it becomes evident that the selection process itself was far from transparent. MacDonald revealed that Doan had dismissed the possibility of partnering with the reputable consulting firm, Deloitte, due to apparent complications on another contract. Consequently, GCStrategies became the sole option put forth by Doan.
However, Doan presented a different narrative during the hearings. He claimed that he was presented with two options: outsourcing the app development entirely to Deloitte or adopting a hybrid model that involved in-house development and assistance from external IT workers. According to Doan, he chose the latter, emphasizing that the decision revolved around strategic direction rather than selecting a specific contractor. This revelation led to further confusion, with Doan denying having knowledge of GCStrategies’ involvement at the time of his decision.
As the hearings progressed, it became abundantly clear that Doan was reluctant to provide unequivocal answers. He meticulously rephrased questions rather than answering directly, showcasing his wariness to divulge information. He emphasized that despite his involvement in the decision-making process, he did not purposefully choose GCStrategies for ArriveCan. As a consequence, the central question regarding who initiated GCStrategies’ bid for the project remained unanswered.
MPs, who had hoped to unravel the mystery behind GCStrategies’ selection, were confronted with a disheartening reality – the absence of a central figure responsible for the decision. The ArriveCan app project has become a riddle with no discernible solution, leaving officials with an app that seems to have a gaping hole at its core.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who chose GCStrategies for the ArriveCan app project?
A: The question of who specifically chose GCStrategies remains unanswered, as conflicting testimonies have confused the investigation.
Q: Why was Deloitte dismissed as an option?
A: According to Cameron MacDonald’s testimony, Minh Doan, who was responsible for the decision-making, deemed Deloitte unsuitable due to complications on another contract.
Q: Did Minh Doan know about GCStrategies’ involvement?
A: Minh Doan claims that he was unaware of GCStrategies’ participation at the time of his decision. He argued that his focus was on the strategic direction rather than selecting a contractor.
Q: Is there a central figure responsible for the decision?
A: The investigation has yet to identify a single individual responsible for choosing GCStrategies. The project seems to have been developed without clear accountability.