BDC faces staff backlash over McKinsey contracts, questionable spending

Hudon, formerly Canada’s ambassador to France, was appointed head of the crown corporation by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2021. The sources – who either work at the BDC or recently left the crown corporation – highlighted contracts awarded to consulting firm McKinsey & Company as well as questionable spending on events and transportation. McKinsey was awarded a $2.8 million contract for the BDC review in August 2021 and a $2.1-million extension in June 2022. Radio-Canada’s sources say the decision was met with frustration by BDC employees, who had completed similar strategic exercises before Hudon’s arrival. BDC employees also criticized certain spending choices under Hudon, including a $320,000 “outreach event” that was streamed to thousands of BDC employees across the country.