Statement regarding the Canadian Senate Internal Committee

Last night, the Senate of Canada voted against a motion to call Mr. Runia, a partner in Deloitte’s Ottawa office, to appear before the Senate Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration to answer questions.  

In light of this decision, we would like to take the opportunity to confirm several facts.

Mr. Runia, an audit partner, was not a member of the forensic examination team engaged to review certain senators’ expenses for the Standing Committee.  Three Deloitte partners who were part of that team have been called and appeared before the Standing Committee. Mr. Runia was not invited and did not appear.

The forensic examination team’s reports for each of the senators under investigation reflect Deloitte’s objective and independent view of the facts.  At no time prior to their issuance were any of the reports reviewed or commented upon by anyone outside of the forensic examination team.  At no time was any communication regarding the status of the forensic examination or the findings shared with anyone other than the Senate subcommittees and the Senate staff involved in the process.  The utmost confidentiality of all forensic examination information was maintained at all times.  

Detailed confidentiality protocols were shared with the Senate subcommittee by the forensic examination team.  These protocols set out the lengths to which Deloitte as a firm goes to ensure that confidentiality and independence are upheld.

Deloitte has cooperated fully with the ongoing investigations into this matter, and it would be inappropriate for us to provide further comment while these investigations continue.  

Contacts

Vital Adam
Deloitte
Senior Manager - Public Relations
Tel : 514-393-5281
viadam@deloitte.ca