The former federal executive who came under fire for failing to disclose records of security breaches at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg retired just weeks before the long-awaited documents were tabled in Cabinet on Feb. 28. Iain Stewart, the first manager to be censured by Parliament since 1891, ended his tenure as National Research Council president after more than six years in the position. Expressions of gratitude for his contributions were conveyed in a Letter of Thanks obtained by Blacklock’s Reporter on Dec. 21.
Mr. Stewart retired on Jan. 2, and the controversial documents he was accused of withholding from Members of Parliament were made public on Feb. 28. He had also overseen the COVID-19 vaccine rollout as the president of the Public Health Agency of Canada from September 2020 to October 2021, earning an annual salary of $321,000. Congratulations and praise for his career came from figures like Senator Peter Harder and former Privy Council clerk Michael Wernick.
The controversy surrounding Mr. Stewart revolved around the security clearance granted to two Chinese-Canadian scientists at the Winnipeg lab, who were ultimately dismissed in 2021 for security breaches and concealing their connections with China, including the People’s Liberation Army. A 2020 security review highlighted the potential risks they posed to national security, prompting intense scrutiny and criticism of Mr. Stewart’s handling of the situation.
In parliamentary committee hearings, Mr. Stewart faced censure for refusing to provide information on the scientists’ dismissal, leading to increased pressure from MPs for transparency and accountability. Conservative MP Gérard Deltell emphasized the House of Commons’ role as a critical oversight body, criticizing the government’s handling of the situation. Mr. Stewart’s reluctance to answer questions about the firings and concerns over “immunity” drew sharp rebukes from MPs demanding answers.
The Privy Council Office issued a memo in 2021 reminding federal managers of their parliamentary duties following Mr. Stewart’s censure. Health Minister Mark Holland also voiced concerns about the lack of understanding of foreign interference threats and inadequate security protocols at the Winnipeg labs. The Minister highlighted the importance of adhering to security procedures and ensuring transparency in scientific enterprises.