The RCMP is investigating allegations of fraud related to the event of the pandemic-era border app ArriveCan, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme has confirmed to CTV Information.
“I can verify with you Vassy we have acquired a number of referrals to analyze on ArriveCan, and we’re investigating,” Duheme mentioned in an interview with CTV Information Channel’s Energy Play.
The RCMP had beforehand confirmed it was investigating broad allegations about improper contracting after the Canada Border Providers Company referred the problem to the nationwide police pressure early final 12 months.
The Commissioner instructed host Vassy Kapelos the ArriveCan investigation is an enlargement of the preliminary one, launched in January of 2023.
“It is an enlargement,” Duheme mentioned. “It is a number of referrals, however they’re all pointing us towards the identical path.”
Final month, Conservative Social gathering Chief Pierre Poilievre had written to the RCMP asking for an investigation into ArriveCan and the contracting surrounding it.
That ask got here after Canada’s Auditor Common launched the outcomes of her investigation into ArriveCan.
Karen Hogan concluded that these concerned within the contracting, growth and implementation of the controversial ArriveCan software confirmed a “obtrusive disregard” for fundamental administration practices.
She estimated the price of the app had ballooned from $80,000 to almost $60 million {dollars}, however could not make sure of the precise complete due to a scarcity of document conserving.
Duheme mentioned he couldn’t present a timeline for when the investigation would conclude or prices may very well be laid.
“What I can share with you proper now’s we’re doing every little thing we are able to to maneuver this ahead in a well timed method,” Duheme instructed Kapelos.
“We will do a radical investigation into the matter and ensure that if there are prices to be laid, we’ll lay acceptable prices.”
With information from CTV Information’ Senior Digital Parliamentary Reporter Rachel Aiello