Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to speak about the Department of Transportation. On Friday, June 3rd, Minister Schumann stopped in this House to do a Member’s statement about the Inuvik to Tuk Highway. In his statement he spoke proudly about this being the third successful winter of construction on the project. This project employed over 500 people with about 74 per cent of the workforce coming from the Beaufort Delta region and other NWT communities, fulfilling the goal of sustainable contribution to northern employment opportunities and delivering jobs where they’re needed most. He goes on to say, “projects continue to contribute to developing a skilled northern workforce by delivering meaningful training opportunities and employability. As well, this project contributes to circumpolar research aimed at improving construction techniques in permafrost conditions.”
Mr. Speaker, the Minister goes on to say the project remains on schedule and within the approved budget of $299 million. Unfortunately, what the Minister forgot to mention in his speech was that this was thanks to a negotiated contract with two strong, well developed and hard-working companies from Tuk and Inuvik who have been in business for a long time. I have to applaud the government for seeing the wisdom and foresight to do this. To me this is a great way to keep the money in the North. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, this is not the case for a recent contract that was put out by this government for a project in my riding.
In early January I was approached by two companies from the region asking for my support. On January 18th, 2016, I wrote a support letter requesting the Department of Transportation enter into a negotiated contract with these two companies, one being Aboriginal. On February 3, 2016 the Minister of Transportation sent me a form letter that said basically, “the request is currently being reviewed pursuant to the Financial Administration Act; only Cabinet may enter into or direct the contract authority to enter into a contract outside the competitive or sole-source contracting process. Cabinet approval will be required for this negotiated contract.” I fully support and understand this. As a few emails went back and forth I received an email from the Minister on April 26th, then on May 4th from the Premier saying that the project would go out to competition. As well, both felt that it was expected that one of the companies were well in position to successfully complete this work because of the company’s location and proximity to the construction area and its many years of experience undertaking similar work.
Member for Nahendeh, your time for Member’s statements has expired.
I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
I hope the Finance Minister gets his cough under control here. I’m concerned, you know. They both go on to say companies from B.C. have successfully bid on work in the Fort Liard area. These companies have sought to involve local companies, sub-contractors with varying success. The company has provided good value for available funds which has allowed the department to undertake additional work within the funding availability. Mr. Speaker, I was disappointed and still disappointed to hear this answer. I will have some questions for the Minister later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Deh Cho.
