Hon. John Ningark's return to Question W7-12(1), asked by Mr. Dent on December 13, 1991: The concerns raised by the two northern businesses whose letters the Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake attached to his written question have been carefully reviewed and answered. In neither instance is there any question as to tendering policies not being followed. In both instances the supplier has been advised of the reasons for the actions taken. Copies of the replies sent will be provided to Mr. Dent as requested.
No one can dispute that government, like any other buyer, has the right to determine what equipment is required or what the conditions of the purchase will be. When a bid is received, government must be able to determine exactly what is being offered, that the item being offered is as specified, and when it will be delivered. Agreeing to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for equipment that has not been certified would be a very grave error indeed.
For every tender invitation there will be a winner and losers. Most of the time those who lose accept it as a fact of business. From time to time complaints are filed. Each and every one of these complaints is investigated very seriously. It is very important that the way government does business be seen to be fair and legally correct.