I called the deputy minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Bob Doherty, to find out just what was happening with the award of this contract. I was advised by him that the Edmonton company's bid was $359,195, while the Yellowknife firm had bid $361,743. Pointing out that this $2,500 difference would be more than off-set by the BIP, I asked why the northern firm was not being awarded the contract. Mr. Doherty advised that since the northern company had not included bonding in their price, their bid was considered non-responsive.

Mr. Speaker, I was astounded to find that while the requirement for providing performance bonds had been removed from any Fort Smith contractor who bid on portions of this job, a northern firm from any other community would not be given the same advantage. So, rather than have the work go to a northern company when there was no Fort Smith bidder, the contract will be awarded to an Edmonton firm.