Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Finance. I believe public confidence in oversight of the sole source contracts might be improved if reports for the last two fiscal years, that’s 2014-15 and 2015-16, were produced and posted to the website. Could the Minister make a commitment to produce these reports as soon as possible? Thank you.
Masi. Minister of Finance.
Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my understanding is we produce those every year and I will make a commitment to the Member that we will share those. Thank you.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Finance Minister for that answer. I would just like to understand how and when this information will be shared. Mahsi.
Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. These are normally produced at the end of each fiscal year and I believe these reports are also tabled. I will confirm that and share that information with the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. As I pointed out in my statement, with the increased purchasing amounts, these contracts may be of more interest to larger non-resident suppliers. I’m wondering what kind of change there’ll be in this to the BIP application to the sole-source so that we know that sole-source contracts go to northern suppliers. Mahsi.
Mr. Speaker, the Member is correct. You know, there will be more interest in a lot of these procurement processes because the amounts are available, but again it was encouragement we got from the business community. BIP would still apply to these, and I can assure the Member and all Members that we take all steps necessary to ensure that our northern-based businesses have a fair opportunity and a good opportunity to secure these contracts.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.
