File picture: Minister Bains at Innovation Place

The ties between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s family and the “WE” charity over the awarding of a contract to manage a nearly $1 billion youth job program continues to be scrutinized.

At a news conference in Oshawa, Ontario , innovation minister Navdeep Bains was asked if cabinet knew Trudeau’s family were being paid for speaking engagements, would they have supported awarding the contract?

“I understand the points that you’re raising and the concerns that you’re raising and we’re very mindful of the issues that have been brought to light, but make no mistake, our government’s posture and tone when it comes to supporting young people has been very clear. We want to continue to support young Canadians, particularly through a difficult time.”

Bains was also asked if cabinet was providing appropriate oversight and he says the directions they take are based on the non-partisan advice they get from their public-servants.

Bains and procurement minister Anita Anand were at a G.M plant in the Ontario city to mark the production of PPE masks.