Michael Miltenberger

I’ll refer that question to Mr. Aumond.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The proposal for the negotiated contract was brought forward by the then Minister of Public Works and Services in August 2007, I believe. Permission was considered and authority was given by Premier Handley, who was Premier of the day.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We’ve listened carefully to the discussion. The Member’s indicated her opinion. She’s stated it for the record, and I appreciate that.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would refer that question to Minister Michael McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We indicated to the committee late last week, or sometime last week, that if things moved ahead, if the educational planning and other design work was done and it was in everyone’s best interest, we would attempt to fast track what could be done early.

I’ll have to check Hansard, but there’s got to be at least half a dozen articulations of the commitment from the Minister of Public Works and Services and me on the record in Hansard indicating that we are replacing most of our own space, that current retail space won’t be impacted. The Minister, in fact, when he spoke to the motion, reiterated those same commitments. I don’t know at this point what more the Member wants. It’s on the record. It’s there and it’s a commitment.

I don’t have that detail here with me. I have the capital substantiations, but I don’t have that program detail here with me.

The top floors of the Perry Building are unusable, which is one of the reasons there was a move. The lease proposal that was put to the government had over the life of the lease a $38 million premium attached to it, which is very significant. Available space in Inuvik, from what I understand, is scattered over a number of buildings. There’s not one concentrated place that would allow the government to bring together the resources as they’re currently planning. However, I’d ask Minister Michael McLeod if he wants to add anything further to this issue.

Transportation is spending about $5 million a year on capital and $2 million to $3 million a year on maintenance on the road, which is where we’re demonstrating our commitment to maintaining the Dempster to the best of our ability with the resources that we have.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’ll refer that education question to Minister Lafferty.