Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’m returning to the topic of sole-source contracts to former Ministers in yet another attempt to wring some accountability and transparency from this government.
Mr. Speaker, in the last session, I filed a written question asking three very simple questions about sole-source contracts awarded to two firms. The firms -- John Todd Holdings and the Northern Strategy Group -- were hired at the same time to provide exactly the same services, each described as “uniquely” able to provide the service, for a total value of up to $228,000 at $1,500 a day.
My written question asked what federal, provincial or territorial meetings resulted from the contracts. The written answer gives no information on meetings and says only that the contractors, “...helped build relationships and offered advice.”
I asked what the subjects of discussions were. The written answer states no subjects, says only that, “...since the beginning of the 16th Assembly, the GNWT has advanced four key political priorities with the federal government,” and then gives a website quality list of topics.
Finally, I asked the Minister to provide documents demonstrating that the services were received, which is a mandatory verification before payment can be approved. I was told -- and this is the most disturbing answer of all, Mr. Speaker -- that, “...payment of invoices...indicates the acceptance of their work based on the terms of the contract.” In other words, the fact that they got a pay cheque is the proof that they did the work.
Mr. Speaker, this is outrageous. When Members are pushed to the extreme of prying information from the government with written questions, it is evasive, mischievous and disrespectful to the Assembly not to answer the question being asked. When this government signs contracts for almost a quarter of a million dollars of work, there had better be more evidence than a cheque stub to prove we got our money’s worth. When two firms are sole-source contracted to do the same thing at the same time, we had better be able to demonstrate we didn’t just pay twice for the same thing. That’s why I ask my questions and I want answers. I will file my question again today with the expectation that the services will finally be provided in detail.
I expect to receive a detailed description of these deliverables in a form that would actually pass muster with the Auditor General or public. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.
