Departments didn’t consistently follow rules with McKinsey contracts: Treasury Board

OTTAWA – Internal audits of contracts with McKinsey & Company show federal government departments did not consistently follow certain administrative rules and procedures, the Treasury Board said Friday.

“The audits reveal no evidence of political interference, and broad compliance with values and ethics commitments. However, there are indications that certain administrative requirements and procedures were not consistently followed,” the Treasury Board said in a statement.

The Treasury Board said these are preliminary observations of the audits, which were conducted as part of its review of federal contracts with McKinsey.

The consulting firm came into the spotlight following media reports on the rapid growth in the value of contracts awarded since the Liberal government came to power over seven years ago.

The government said McKinsey has received at least $116.8 million in federal contracts since 2015.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tasked Treasury Board President Mona Fortier and Procurement Minister Helena Jaczek review the contracts, with a final report expected by June 30.

The Treasury Board said departments “have developed management action plans to address their respective audit recommendations.”

The House of Commons government operations committee is also studying the federal contracts.

Meanwhile, the auditor general and procurement ombudsman are also reviewing them.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2023.