Scrutiny of WE Charity Focused on Ability to Deliver Grant Program: PCO Clerk

Clerk of the Privy Council Ian Shugart waits to appear before the House of Commons Ethics committee in Ottawa, on Aug. 11, 2020 in this file photo. Mr. Shugart has since been appointed to the Senate. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA—Canada’s top public servant says federal officials did not probe the WE organization’s financial situation or governance structure when doing homework on a deal with the charity to administer a pandemic grant program for student volunteers.

Due diligence focused on WE Charity’s ability to deliver the program, Ian Shugart, clerk of the Privy Council, told the House of Commons ethics committee Tuesday.