Statements in Debates
One of the things that I want to talk about is the process here today on how it’s possible that former deputy ministers get sole-source contracts with this government, and it goes back to the reply to a written question asked by my colleague, Mr. Bromley on a contract with BDK Applied Management Services for consultation and communication services provided to the Department of Finance. I’m just wondering, Mr. Speaker, if we want to talk about process, what process is followed that allows contracts to be sole-sourced to former deputy ministers. What process is this Cabinet and government...
Thank you, Mr. Minister, and welcome, Ms. Melhorn and Mr. Koe, to our proceedings. We’ll open the floor up to general comments on the Department of Finance main estimates. Any general comments? Mr. Yakeleya.
Page 5-34, Finance, information item, work performed on behalf of others.
I don’t need an explanation today, but I’m just wondering why that number wouldn’t be almost exactly like the one that’s in the contract amount under the Department of Executive for that year, 2008-09, and in the main estimates here under 2008-09, under actual. It’s out, like I said, by about $14,000, $15,000. But I can get that information later. It’s fine. Thanks.
Page 5-15, Finance, activity summary, information item, deputy minister’s office, active positions.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to follow up on a return to written question asked by my colleague from Weledeh, Mr. Bob Bromley, on October 26, 2009. I have some very deep concerns about this government’s relentless pursuit of sole-sourcing contracts.
I would welcome former employees, senior managers, and deputy ministers to bid on contracts with the Government of the Northwest Territories. My difficulty is when contracts are handed over to former senior staff on what would appear to be a silver platter.
Is there not something wrong with a deputy minister who is relieved of their duties...
Thank you, Mr. Minister, and we’ll ask the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort the witnesses in. Does committee agree?
Page 5-32, Finance, information item, Liquor Revolving Fund.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just one more question and I don’t know, I guess I could ask it on this page but… Well, actually, I’ll wait until we get back to operations expenditure summary, Mr. Chairman. It fits better there so I’ll wait.
Page 5-13, Finance, activity summary, deputy minister’s office, operations expenditure summary, $41.921 million.