Auditor General's report finds "glaring disregard for basic management and contracting practices" in the federal government's ArriveCAN app development

Today, the Auditor General unveiled its report on the federal government's ArriveCAN app, drawing substantial criticism regarding financing, contracts, and development.

In a press release titled "Glaring Disregard for Basic Management and Contracting Practices Surrounds the Government's ArriveCAN Application," Auditor General Karen Hogan highlighted today that the Canada Border Services Agency, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and Public Services and Procurement Canada failed to adhere to essential management practices during the contracting, development, and implementation stages of the ArriveCAN application. This digital tool was specifically created to gather traveler contact and health information upon their entry into Canada during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

The audit approximated the cost of the ArriveCAN application at about $59.5 million but highlighted the challenge in determining the exact figure due to the Canada Border Services Agency's inadequate financial record-keeping. The agency's decision to rely on external resources throughout the application's development, launch, and subsequent updates, extending beyond the initial pandemic crisis, not only escalated costs but also raised questions about the value derived from the expenditure.

The deficiency in documentation and controls extended to contracting practices. The audit revealed that the Canada Border Services Agency's disregard for policies, controls, and transparency in the contracting process restricted opportunities for competition and undermined value for money. There was minimal documentation supporting the rationale behind awarding the initial ArriveCAN contract to GC Strategies through a non‑competitive process. Evidence suggested that GC Strategies played a role in establishing the requirements that the Canada Border Services Agency later used to solicit competitive contracts.

The audit further identified poor contract management by the Canada Border Services Agency, calling into question concerns about value for money. Critical information, such as clear deliverables and necessary qualifications, was absent from contracts. The agency routinely approved and paid invoices lacking detailed information on the completed work.

"Public servants must always be transparent and accountable to Canadians for their use of public funds," stated Ms. Hogan. "Many questions that Parliamentarians and Canadians are asking cannot be answered. The lack of information to support ArriveCAN spending and decisions has compromised accountability."

You can read the Auditor General’s full report at the link below.

https://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/docs/parl_oag_202402_01_e.pdf