Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion on the policy on non-competitive contracts.

WHEREAS the Government of the Northwest Territories is responsible for the expenditure of public funds provided to them under the appropriation authority of the Legislative Assembly;

AND WHEREAS the Government of the Northwest Territories has a responsibility to be fully accountable for the manner in which funds are expended;

AND WHEREAS the Government of the Northwest Territories awards a number of non-competitive contracts as well as those awarded through normal bidding and tendering processes, including negotiated sole-source construction management and site superintendent services contracts;

AND WHEREAS there is no single policy to govern non-competitive contracts across government;

AND WHEREAS individuals, businesses and business associations have expressed concern about the lack of a clear process for awarding contracts and lack of public information about contracts awarded;

AND WHEREAS Members of this Legislative Assembly have on numerous occasions requested clarification of issues related to non-competitive contracts;

AND WHEREAS Members of the Legislative Assembly and the public accept there is a need from time to time for non-competitive contracts but believe that the need for clear and open rules governing these contracts;

AND WHEREAS the Premier has in this Assembly committed to establishing a government wide policy on negotiated contracts;

NOW THEREFORE, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik that this Legislative Assembly request the Premier to clarify the government's position on government wide non-competitive contracts by providing a draft policy on non-competitive contracts to the Standing Committees of this Assembly by August 15, 1997.

--Hear! Hear!