Debates of October 18, 2005 (day 12)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, late this summer, somebody in Yellowknife came to me and said they were having difficulty providing service, and they provide medical supplies in the Northwest Territories. They were concerned that they were getting the cold shoulder. So on September 21st, I wrote a letter to the Minister of Health and Social Services asking four brief and simple questions. As of today, I haven’t had any response from this Minster. Before I put my questions to him, I have to point out that it’s these types of businesses who are asked to support the hospital and the hospital foundation. They say they would love to support these organizations, but if they are not given the chance to bid on contracts, even if they lose them potentially, but not even given the chance to try, how can they afford to help support these organizations? This letter is almost a month old. When can I expect a response so I can tell this person who is trying to run a business in the North? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 152-15(4): Medical Supplies Procurement

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before the end of session. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 152-15(4): Medical Supplies Procurement

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This person in Yellowknife who does the medical supply business says they never seem to know or see any purchase tenders go out in the newspaper. Again, they come from the perspective that they would just like a fair opportunity to apply and bid on these contracts, but they feel that they continually get the cold shoulder. What’s the policy on public tenders, or do you just go straight to sole source in the South? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 152-15(4): Medical Supplies Procurement

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have some arrangements with some organizations and businesses in the Northwest Territories. I will make sure that we have a comprehensive reply for the Member by the end of session.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 152-15(4): Medical Supplies Procurement

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate hearing that news from the Minister. Mr. Speaker, my next question for the Minister is, does he have a policy that supersedes all policies about going south for sole source? Can I get some clarity on that to make sure that our northern contractors have an opportunity to bid on these? Again, if they lose them, that’s fine. They want to be able to compete and try fairly. Do we have that policy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 152-15(4): Medical Supplies Procurement

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a department of this government, we follow the contracting guidelines that are there for all government departments to follow. Thank you.