Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral questioned asked by Mrs. Marie-Jewell on June 7th of this year regarding the status of government liability when lowering proposal standards.
She asked and requested a legal opinion as to whether or not there is an increase in liability to this government if the department chooses to lower the standards called for in the "request for proposals" when accepting bids.
Legal counsel has advised me that governments are liable for their negligent acts and omissions. However, there is no legal precedent that indicates that not adhering to the specifications contained in their request for proposals and ultimately entering into a contract, as a result of it, constitutes negligence. Thank you.