Thank you, Madam Speaker. The contract was terminated after many attempts to try to work cooperatively with the contractor and the area office. Since early December 1993, there has been only one child in the group home. The area supervisor, supported by his staff, recommended terminating the contract. The superintendent, once again, became directly involved in December 1993. Meetings were held with the contractor as well as with area office staff and the union vice president for Hay River.
A basic plan to keep the group home functioning was agreed to. All parties agreed to submit their concerns, documentation and recommendations, in writing, to the superintendent. This was done over the next few months with no improvement in the working relationship. On March 1, 1994, the superintendent flew to Hay River to meet with the contractor to discuss the contract. At that meeting, the contractor was informed by the superintendent that he was contemplating terminating the contract. On March 9, 1994, the superintendent informed the contractor he was intending to proceed with termination, as outlined in the contract.
On that basis, the contract with Greenway was terminated. These group homes cannot operate effectively without a close and cooperative working relationship between the contractor and the department. Otherwise, the children in care don't get the help they need. In this case, the social workers did not feel comfortable referring children to the group home and were finding other alternatives, such as foster care.
A new contractor will be sought as quickly as possible, in consultation with the affected MLAs. Yes, her contract has been terminated. Thank you.