Louis Sebert

As mentioned in my answer to the previous question, of course the mill rate is the way in which municipalities establish their needs to raise tax revenue in each community, and that tends to be different in each community, depending on their needs. We are, of course, reviewing the whole policy in this area, but I don't think we would be referring to a rate as a "mill rate," which is really specific to municipalities.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 627-18(2): Taltson River Dam." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would expect that a funding request would be forthcoming in the summer. I can advise, however, that there have been other improvements that will be proceeding. There were two capital projects approved in the 2017-18 capital estimates for the complex, which included a security infrastructure renewal: electronic capacity to a CCTV camera on current fencing; and an improvement of the perimeter fence along the west property line to the main Kam Lake driveway entrance. It is expected that tendered documents on those two projects are currently being prepared for a spring tender and summer...

Mr. Speaker, in a couple of weeks, the Department of Lands will mark its third anniversary. Tasked with managing and administering 1.15 million square kilometres of land in the Northwest Territories, the department has been working to serve residents in a way that reflects the Northwest Territories' interests and priorities.

Our work takes us across the entire Northwest Territories and our staff works with various partners, governments and landowners to ensure we are managing land and resources in a fair and transparent manner.

Much of the way in which we engage, and a standard this government...

I want to make it clear that the department is opposed to escapes. If, of course, one does take place, as took place last summer, the public will be advised.

Yes, Mr. Speaker. I am glad to advise that work is proceeding ahead. There was, of course, an escape from the facility last summer. A consultant was hired to provide the department with a cost estimate. Pending funding approvals, work may begin this summer. I want to assure the public, however, that until the recommended work has been completed, activities and access to the affected area is fully restricted, so there is no danger of another incident of the type that took place last August. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following three documents entitled "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 500-18(2): Norman Wells Oilfields Remediation and Reclamation," "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 617-18(2): Maintenance Enforcement Payments," and "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 641-18(2): Rental Office Workload Challenges." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As mentioned previously, Mr. Speaker, the vendor chosen, Virdi, had the lowest bid. It was significantly lower than the next bidder, and it was the best overall score in the evaluations. There was a careful evaluation made of the three admittedly competent bidders. We went with the best bidders. We went with the best bid.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When it became evident that this contract was going to be delayed, the Power Corporation looked at its various options. As I mentioned yesterday, to compensate for the lack of delivery, it was agreed with the vendor that they would cover any additional costs, including the cost of modular rental units that were brought into Jackfish in the winter of 2017 to ensure reliability. Because this bid was the lowest bidder, it was thought best to stick with this bid as that would be the best, in the long term, for the ratepayers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, this morning CBC published an article quoting from oral questions yesterday. The article repeats a misstatement that I made during my reply to oral question 670-18(2). I would like to take an opportunity to correct the record. Quoting from unedited Hansard, I said:

“I understand that there was a careful evaluation of the bid made by the Power Corporation. The bid from Virdi was the lowest rated, and among the factors looked at was price.”

What I should have said was that Virdi were the highest rated, lowest bidder. I apologize for any misunderstanding this has caused. Thank you, Mr...