Louis Sebert

The new program is building on the old program, of course; incorporating in the RFP the suggestions contained within the evaluation report. Information that bidders are requesting is in the RFP. On that basis, they can make bids. If they wish to have additional information, they can attend the meeting on Tuesday, which will assist them in making their bids should they wish to bid on aspects of the program.

Mr. Speaker, a very extensive report was done about the A New Day healing program which was filed and tabled in this House. I think all of the details about the program are contained within this report. I’m not certain what additional information the Member is requesting. Thank you.

A New Day is a voluntary program based largely on self-referrals. Men have never needed a referral from an outside agency to access the program. During the pilot, which has taken place over a period of I think five years, community agencies such as probation would often make recommendations to their clients to take the program.

Mr. Speaker, a careful evaluation was made of the program which was referenced by the Member opposite in his statement earlier. Naturally, they will be going out, and have gone out to all parties who were interested in the program seeking advice. Hopefully, that good advice is reflected in the request for proposals that is presently out. Thank you.

I've not had an opportunity to review the request for proposals. I am confident, however, that all the necessary information is in the request for proposals. I have a competent staff; they spent considerable amount of time preparing this and I am content that the RFP does set out what is required by potential contractors.

I'm not absolutely sure about that. My impression would be that they would be accepting referrals from outside agencies, but I will look into that and get back to the Member opposite.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That information is, in fact, contained in the purchasing policy. The determination as to whether it will go out to the broad public or to sole-source is determined by a series of factors, including price. I know there is a sole-source contract awarded that would depend on factors such as emergency and other factors. There is a policy which the Power Corporation follows.

I imagine that evaluation is done at the time any bid is received. They could certainly look at whether it had past history with this bidder, how the potential bidder had done in other bids, and how they had done with other contractors. I have no idea what exact steps were taken in this case, but I imagine those steps would have been taken.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to again update this House on some of the work our government is doing to further enhance public engagement and transparency. When I last updated Members in early November, I announced that I would soon be engaging directly with NWT residents about open government. I also committed to provide this House with an update.

Mr. Speaker, in December I began public engagement sessions on open government, and I am continuing to travel to various communities to hear directly from residents. At each of these public sessions, I have asked the local MLA to accompany me so that we...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Firstly, I'd like to thank all Members and staff of the Committee of Rules and Procedures for their careful consideration of this very important issue.

In Canada all jurisdictions have legislation determining who can run for office and have prohibitions on the right of a citizen to run for office where that person has been convicted under the applicable elections legislation.

In our jurisdiction, under the Elections and Plebiscites Act and the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, there is a definition as to who is eligible for election and who may serve in this...