Michael McLeod

We’re quite familiar with the COR program, but at this point we’re not prepared to move forward. We don’t feel it will allow all communities to be involved, especially small contractors in the more remote communities. We are working with the NWT Construction Association, the Safety Association also and they are rolling it out to their membership and getting feedback, we are working with them on drafting proper wording and it’s not something we’re prepared to do at this point.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have not decided whether we’re going to incorporate the COR program into our tenders. At this point, the Northern Construction Safety Association has been working on a rollout schedule for their members. They have endorsed it and we’re kind of providing support in that area. Thank you.

We do take into consideration if there is an issue that has been unforeseen or an issue that comes about that is beyond our control. However, that has to be raised by the proponent and brought to our attention, and the rationale has to be drafted accordingly. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, the policy to hold back a percentage of the contract is something that’s right across the government in all our contract practices. That’s to ensure that we have a product that’s free of deficiencies prior to releasing all funds. Thank you.

The EIRB process is something that’s outside of our jurisdiction at this point. We don’t control the process, however, we hope that the final reports or approvals for the Tuk-Inuvik section of the highway will be ready sometime next summer.

We have been talking with the Yellowknives Dene since 2007 and I’ve indicated to the Member that the schedule is for the construction to start in 2011 and open to traffic in 2012, with the final surface completion in 2013.

Mr. Speaker, there are a couple of questions there. The question on the Auditor General’s report is something that we have been working on with the Auditor General. We provided material over the last while to the Auditor General. The indications are that the report will come out this spring. Thank you.

We expect all the steel to be coming in batches over the winter and construction should be starting in earnest on the superstructure right away. We plan to have all the material for the superstructure on site by the spring of this coming year. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, it’s my pleasure to rise today to give Members an update on the Drive Alive travel safety program.

Drive Alive is a partnership-based initiative that promotes safety on the roads, trails and waterways of the Northwest Territories. By promoting action that will reduce the number of collisions, serious injuries and fatalities in the Northwest Territories, we are helping to deliver on the government’s commitment to building our future as well as this Assembly’s priority to build sustainable, vibrant and safer communities.

Over the next few weeks we will be unveiling initiatives under...

Mr. Speaker, I don’t have an exact date. The report, as I indicated the last time the Member asked questions, is under review and we’re doing reconciliation. As soon as that’s done and concluded, we can provide it to the Members. Thank you.