Louis Sebert

Mr. Speaker, I understand that a briefing will be provided to the Member opposite should he wish to avail himself of that on Monday.

The RFP, of course, is based on the findings in the A New Day healing program evaluation report. The suggestions in these report, many of them or perhaps most of them, were incorporated into the RFP. The RFP is available to possible bidders. Additional information can be obtained on Tuesday. I don’t have that additional information in front of me because I’m not certain what questions might possibly be asked.

Mr. Speaker, there was a very comprehensive report prepared on the New Day Program. Building on that, an RFP has been issued. Those that are interested in bidding on that can go to the meeting on Tuesday and obtain additional information should they require.

I am not certain, Mr. Speaker, whether there will be a formal role. I have not examined the RFP in detail. I do know that those interested in bidding, there will be a meeting put on so that those interested in making a submission will be able to meet with the Department of Justice. That meeting will be held on the 14th. If there is additional information required by possible bidders, they could perhaps obtain it at that time.

I can advise that the coordinator will actively support facilitators to include cultural supports in the delivery of the program, including connection with elders.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, I can advise this House that the coordinator will be located in GNWT offices. I don't think an actual address has yet to be determined; however, we did hear from contractors during the evaluation of this program that the administrative work was a burden, and for that reason it was decided to have a GNWT coordinator so that burden would be lifted from the deliverers of the program. Thank you.

The Northwest Territories Power Corporation does have its own purchasing policy. I don’t imagine it is very different from that of the government.

Mr. Speaker, the Power Corporation, as most government operations, does have a procurement policy. I can’t speak to what steps were taken to ascertain, in the instant case, the qualities of the bidders. I do know, from what I have read, that they all were well-known bidders in this area, so I assume the Power Corporation took the regular steps in determining that when they reviewed the bids. I don’t have any specific knowledge as to the steps that were taken in this specific case. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I do not know how many times this committee met. I was part of the committee, of course, but it was numerous. Many had different suggestions, and ultimately, we came forward with the report that is before us today. I do not think there is any point referring this matter back to the committee. We spent enough time on it. We need to resolve it. 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.