Louis Sebert

Mr. Speaker, there was a very comprehensive report prepared on the New Day Program. Building on that, an RFP has been issued. Those that are interested in bidding on that can go to the meeting on Tuesday and obtain additional information should they require.

I am not certain, Mr. Speaker, whether there will be a formal role. I have not examined the RFP in detail. I do know that those interested in bidding, there will be a meeting put on so that those interested in making a submission will be able to meet with the Department of Justice. That meeting will be held on the 14th. If there is additional information required by possible bidders, they could perhaps obtain it at that time.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following three documents entitled "Northwest Territories Power Corporation Capital Spending Budget 2016-2017," "Follow-up Letter to Oral Question 670-18(2): New Generators for Yellowknife Power Plant," and "Follow-up Letter to Oral Question 590-18(2): Land Use Plans." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The new program is building on the old program, of course; incorporating in the RFP the suggestions contained within the evaluation report. Information that bidders are requesting is in the RFP. On that basis, they can make bids. If they wish to have additional information, they can attend the meeting on Tuesday, which will assist them in making their bids should they wish to bid on aspects of the program.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I do not know how many times this committee met. I was part of the committee, of course, but it was numerous. Many had different suggestions, and ultimately, we came forward with the report that is before us today. I do not think there is any point referring this matter back to the committee. We spent enough time on it. We need to resolve it. Thank you.

I've not had an opportunity to review the request for proposals. I am confident, however, that all the necessary information is in the request for proposals. I have a competent staff; they spent considerable amount of time preparing this and I am content that the RFP does set out what is required by potential contractors.

I'm not absolutely sure about that. My impression would be that they would be accepting referrals from outside agencies, but I will look into that and get back to the Member opposite.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That information is, in fact, contained in the purchasing policy. The determination as to whether it will go out to the broad public or to sole-source is determined by a series of factors, including price. I know there is a sole-source contract awarded that would depend on factors such as emergency and other factors. There is a policy which the Power Corporation follows.

I imagine that evaluation is done at the time any bid is received. They could certainly look at whether it had past history with this bidder, how the potential bidder had done in other bids, and how they had done with other contractors. I have no idea what exact steps were taken in this case, but I imagine those steps would have been taken.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to again update this House on some of the work our government is doing to further enhance public engagement and transparency. When I last updated Members in early November, I announced that I would soon be engaging directly with NWT residents about open government. I also committed to provide this House with an update.

Mr. Speaker, in December I began public engagement sessions on open government, and I am continuing to travel to various communities to hear directly from residents. At each of these public sessions, I have asked the local MLA to accompany me so that we...