National Defence to probe past contracts awarded to firm now tied to China – National

The Department of National Defence (DND) says it’s investigating contracts previously awarded to a firm that now has reported ties to the Chinese government, as concerns of foreign interference in Canada grow.

Ontario-based Sinclair Technologies, which designs and manufactures communications equipment, was given contracts for DND work between 2009 and 2013. The 12 contracts, worth $252,296 in total, were for work on “antennas, waveguides and related equipment,” procurement data shows.

National Defence headquarters, Maritime Forces Atlantic, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command headquarters and CFB Esquimalt were listed as the primary end users. A department official told Global News the contracts appeared to be mainly for antenna devices that amplify and receive but don’t transmit information.

“We are aware of the concerns surrounding Sinclair Technologies. We are investigating these procurements and the way in which this equipment is used, alongside counterparts in other government departments,” a DND spokesperson said Thursday.

“The government will take all measures necessary to ensure the security of our infrastructure.”

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Liberals address questions over terminated defence contract with Chinese links

Sinclair, whose parent company is owned by a business that has ties to the Chinese government, made headlines Wednesday after Radio-Canada reported on a contract it was awarded last year for RCMP radio work.

That revelation drew criticism in Ottawa, and a promised review by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose government recently unveiled a policy reset on how Canada handles investment, co-operation, competition and strategic challenges posed by China.

Sinclair Technologies has been awarded 24 government contracts by Public Service and Procurement Canada (PSPC) since 2009. Aside from the DND, Sinclair has done work for the RCMP and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.