Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Todd on June 23, 1992, with respect to outside firms bidding on northern work. Arctic College, in co-operation with the Baffin Divisional Board of Education, is currently seeking catering services for the high school and college students in Iqaluit. The college and the board contracted with the firm of Cini Little in Toronto to prepare the necessary tender documents. This firm was also asked to provide the tender documents to interested caterers in southern Canada.
Arctic College and the Baffin Divisional Board of Education followed established GNWT contract regulations. The bids received will be assessed against criteria which include the business incentive policy. The college and the board are encouraging active bidding and will award the contract according to the regulations.
Mr. Speaker, I have considered the appropriateness of tender documents being made available through a southern contract, and, while this is not an unusual practice, I will be directing Arctic College and the Baffin Divisional Board of Education to use only a northern contract for bidders in the future. Thank you.
-Applause