Robert C. McLeod

Well, again, it is BHP's responsibility. However, as I said before, we can refuse or accept and replace an entity. They would have to be able to be in a position to provide the same types of services that we had set out in the original project agreement with the partnership as it stands today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

No. As I previously noted, this was the Boreal Health Partnership's issue to resolve in a timely manner. There are financial incentives for them to do this.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the Member noted, Carillion Canada's financial situation has changed dramatically, and it required CCA protection so that it could stabilize its operation and secure financing to ensure the company remained operational over the long term. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I think the first lesson I learned on this trip was not to rely on others to tell you that you are full of gas and to check your gas levels yourself, and thanks to the excellent condition of those roads in Nahendeh, we were able to make it into Jean Marie on an empty tank. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the Member is correct. We did hear about it on the trip, and we have done a couple of surveys. I think we did one in October, and as I said on our trip there, we are going to do another one in February. Once that work is done, we will analyze the information that we received, and then I think I made a commitment during that trip to share that information with some of the governments that we met there. I believe they are having an assembly or a meeting of some of the governments around the Deh Cho. I think they are having some kind of wildlife meeting, and I had made a commitment...

My commitment was to provide a briefing note or an update to committee, and I will do that. As far as the lesson to be learned, I think the lesson to be learned here, as the lesson that we've learned in the past, is that a P3 partnership is a better way to go than having all the responsibility on the Government of the Northwest Territories, as we've seen in some projects in the past. So that would be the lesson. Construction is continuing on, and my understanding is that they're still looking to open in November. A certificate of commencement, I believe, is in November with patient occupation...

Well, they would have to be to provide the services. If there is other criteria that's available which I don't have with me at the moment, and I apologize for that, I will endeavour to get it to the Members, but they would have to be able to provide the service and they would also have to meet any existing criteria that's there.

BHP ultimately remains responsible for the performance of the services, or it will face significant financial penalties. Further, the project agreement requires any replacement service provider entering a service agreement with BHP on same or similar terms as was agreed to by the existing service provider. There are also a number of restrictions on which entities can be selected as a replacement. For example, the GNWT can refuse or accept or replace an entity whose standing or activities are inconsistent with or likely to compromise the reputation or integrity of the GNWT or the delivery of...

First of all, they are partners in the construction, and the hospital is for the long term. It's the Department of Health that would provide health services, health care in the new Stanton Hospital, so they are partner in the consortium that's building the hospital and the service provider in the long-term care.

We have not entered into any contractual arrangements with Carillion Canada to provide service for the Stanton Hospital. BHP, the Boreal Health Partnership, it is their job to find a replacement service provider in the event Carillion Canada is not able to stabilize its operations.

My understanding is sick leave is used specifically for these purposes. That's why they accumulate sick leave that way, if they have to go out for some type of treatment. If they're away for treatment for a medical condition, sick leave can be advanced if no credits are available, up to 15 days and, if needed, employees can also ask for a payout of annual leave, experiencing financial hardship with being on sick leave without pay.