Debates of October 18, 2004 (day 22)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question today is for the Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Floyd Roland. I’m just wondering if the Minister could advise the Members of this House what it’s going to cost the government to set up the new Family Law Legal Aid office in the Centre Square Mall. That’s in terms of leasehold improvements, and, as well, maybe if he would like to provide the House with a detailed costing on that arrangement. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Minister of Public Works and Services, the Honourable Mr. Roland.

Return To Question 237-15(3): Cost Of New Family Law Legal Aid Office

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the office space the Member is speaking of is one that is worked on between the Legal Services Board, being the client, and Public Works and Services, as the one involved in the issuing of the RFP that went out and trying to see if any of the RFPs that were returned fit the criteria, and, going on that, recommend to the parties involved that that would be the way to go. My understanding of the process on the office space was the RFP was issued. Three responses were received. Two were on time, but did not fit the RFP. One came in but was late. Phone calls were made to all the parties involved to see if there was adequate space or alternative space and if they’d be able to meet that. From the information I’m provided, I’m told that two responses did not fit the criteria, even after the calls. The final company, the one that has the contract now, did have space and discussions went ahead on that basis. My understanding is that in the RFP it also went ahead with the requirement for general office space. So that would be the parameters that this RFP went out on, and I understand that we fall right in within that category when we compare some of our other leases out there. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Supplementary To Question 237-15(3): Cost Of New Family Law Legal Aid Office

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m just wondering how often has the Minister's department sole sourced office space. Have they set a new precedent in terms of process and price? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 237-15(3): Cost Of New Family Law Legal Aid Office

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I don’t have the exact information that the Member wants right now on how many spaces we’ve sole sourced. Sole sourcing is done by the government from time to time, looking at the criteria involved. I can work at getting that information together and providing it to the Member, if that’s what he’d like. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Supplementary To Question 237-15(3): Cost Of New Family Law Legal Aid Office

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Mr. Minister, for your response. I’m just wondering if the Minister appreciates the premise that the more money you spend on leasehold improvements and office space, the less money flows through to the clients who really need the service. I know the Minister probably didn’t have a direct say in this sole-sourced lease, but does he appreciate that fact? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 237-15(3): Cost Of New Family Law Legal Aid Office

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is something that I do appreciate, is the fact that we have limited resources in the Northwest Territories and we need to spend it wisely. In this particular situation, an RFP was let, responses were received, all of them did not, for one reason or another, qualify with what was out there. Upon discussions with all the parties involved, it was sought that one company did have space available that was required by the Legal Services Board. The Legal Services Board requested space that was visible, had easy access and a storefront. That was some of the main criteria that they had requested. From the information provided, they’re happy with the location. Thank you.