This is page numbers 249 - 272 of the Hansard for the 13th Assembly, 6th Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was yellowknife.

Topics

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mr. Speaker, my second return to an oral question asked by Mr. Krutko on September 22, 1998, compensation for unsuccessful contract bidders.

There is no standard time period after a tender closing during which contractors have the opportunity to negotiate on a reduced scope in price before the tender is cancelled.

This question is answered in the document Construction Tendered Contract, Instructions to Tenderers, Item 19. It says, Mr. Speaker,

19.2 The submission of the lowest or any tender will not necessarily result in the award of a contract. The owner reserves the right to cancel this tender in whole or in part at any time and to retender the same for any reasons whatsoever without incurring any liability and no bidder will have any claim against owner as a consequence.

In situations where bid prices exceed the available budget, Public Works and Services will try to negotiate with the lower bidder in order to reduce the scope and the price. This is done within the time limits of the project at hand.

If negotiations with the low bidder are not successful within a reasonable time and if time is critical to the delivery of materials or completing the work, the original tender will be cancelled and a reduced scope of work re-tendered.

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Finally, Mr. Speaker, return to oral question asked by Mr. O'Brien on September 25, 1998, in regard to Baker Lake bridge installations.

On Friday, September 25, 1998, the Member for Kivallivik directed a question to the Premier inquiring when the Department of Transportation would complete the installation of a Prince River Bridge north of Baker Lake.

I am pleased to report that since the Member asked his question, the Hamlet of Baker Lake completed work on the 13 kilometre access road to the Prince River and the Department of Transportation was able to install a 48-metre bridge over the Prince River.

The new Prince River Bridge was officially opened to traffic on October 25, 1998.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Returns to oral questions. Ms. Thompson.

Manitok Thompson Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have two returns to oral questions. One asked by Mr. Enuaraq on September 24, 1998, accumulated deficit Clyde River.

Officials from the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs have reviewed the situation that led to the current accumulated deficit in Clyde River. In order to assist the community to address this situation, the department will hire a contractor to prepare a formal Deficit Recovery Plan. The recovery plan will help the hamlet eliminate its deficit.

The contractor will also investigate the hamlet's concerns about the impact that funding and expenditure levels are having on the hamlet's financial position.

Return To Oral Question 127-13(6): Water Quality In Mackenzie Delta
Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

November 3rd, 1998

Page 258

Manitok Thompson Aivilik

I have another return asked by Mr. Krutko on September 25, 1998, water quality in Mackenzie Delta.

Up to, and including 1996, in Aklavik, water quality during spring runoff was a concern due to the cloudy condition of the treated water. However, changes made since then, have increased plant efficiency and the plant now provides drinking water that meets water quality guidelines. Despite the upgrade to the water treatment plant and the regular monitoring of the water, concern still exists with the age, condition, and capacity of the plant. In response to these concerns, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is hiring an engineering consultant to assess the existing treatment plant and outline the need for replacement or further upgrading.

In Fort McPherson, the department has been working with the community's water planning committee to identify a new water source. Over the last twelve months, we have been monitoring water quality in the community with the specific goal of identifying a suitable and acceptable water source. On October 20, 1998, MACA and the Department of Public Works and Services attended a joint meeting of the hamlet and band councils in Fort McPherson to discuss a new water source. As a result of information and monitoring data that they have received, the council agreed to accept the Peel River as the community's year-round water source. A meeting is being planned for the middle of November with the hamlet and the band to discuss the P3 process and how it might be applied to this water supply project. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Returns to oral questions. Mr. Todd.

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have an return to oral question from Mr. Henry on September 22, 1998.

Certain types of GNWT payments are currently paid through an electronic system for direct deposit to northern business bank accounts. These types of payments are generally linked to schedules within agreements such as commercial leases or contribution agreements. Unfortunately, this payment system requires a considerable amount of manual intervention and could not be used for large volumes as would be the case for GNWT trade payables.

Currently, trade payables are processed through the Financial Information System and cheques are produced in six regions. The current software applies a payment term of 20 days for northern businesses approved under the Business Incentive Policy and 30 days for all other vendors.

The software development necessary to go to electronic deposits would require additional money and additional trained staff to undertake the required planning, programming, software testing and user training in the current year. As significant programming and system file structure changes will be needed, it is unlikely that reprogramming would be completed by March 31, 1999.

I agree, a direct deposit method would be beneficial to northern businesses and to the government. Therefore, I have directed my officials to do a cost study next fiscal year of what programming and file structure changes would be required to our current system and what banking arrangement fees would be involved in order to go to direct electronic deposit of trades payable accounts. Additional funding may then be sought at that time if necessary. It would be most appropriate were this system of electronic direct deposits available to greet the new millennium in the year 2000. Thank you.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Returns to oral questions. I would like to remind the Ministers that if they wish to do more than one return that they request it, so that it is in Hansard as two separate items as opposed to Ms. Thompson doing it without the request, as it will come out as one long return as opposed to separate items. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize an eminent northern businessman and articulate spokesman for our northern road through Rae that will benefit not only business, but the people of the Dogrib territory, His Worship Jack Rowe.

--Applause

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 258

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Henry.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 258

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would

like to recognize a newcomer to Yellowknife, Peter Skinner is a program manager for CBC working out of Yellowknife. I would also like to recognize Ian Hanna, and his son, Eric. Ian works for CBC and if you recall, his son was also a page in the Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Ootes.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 259

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I am not sure if they are still in the gallery, but I would like to recognize them, Shannon Graf and Stephanie Johnson, both students of St. Patrick's High School in Yellowknife. Thank you.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 259

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. O'Brien.

Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Health and Social Services. Mr. Speaker, the people of Arviat and Baker Lake have suffered long enough without the services of a professional dentist. Mr. Speaker, my question to the Minister is, can he abate this House as to the present status of dental services in Arviat and Baker Lake? Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng.

Return To Question 136-13(6): Dental Services In Kivallivik
Question 136-13(6): Dental Services In Kivallivik
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 259

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding, Mr. Speaker, that there are dentists now in Rankin, Baker Lake and Arviat and in addition to that, as of November 2, Monday of this week, there were also dental therapists located in Baker Lake and Arviat as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Return To Question 136-13(6): Dental Services In Kivallivik
Question 136-13(6): Dental Services In Kivallivik
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 259

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.

Supplementary To Question 136-13(6): Dental Services In Kivallivik
Question 136-13(6): Dental Services In Kivallivik
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 259

Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell me what was the date of the arrival of these dentists in the community of Arviat and Baker Lake?

Supplementary To Question 136-13(6): Dental Services In Kivallivik
Question 136-13(6): Dental Services In Kivallivik
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 259

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Ng.

Further Return To Question 136-13(6): Dental Services In Kivallivik
Question 136-13(6): Dental Services In Kivallivik
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 259

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do not have the actual date of when they arrived there. My briefing note advises me that they are there now. If he wants that specific information, certainly, I would be willing to find it and advise him. Thank you.

--Applause

Further Return To Question 136-13(6): Dental Services In Kivallivik
Question 136-13(6): Dental Services In Kivallivik
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 259

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.

Supplementary To Question 136-13(6): Dental Services In Kivallivik
Question 136-13(6): Dental Services In Kivallivik
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 259

Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell me what criteria is used when selecting the various dentists who will be employed throughout the Keewatin?

Supplementary To Question 136-13(6): Dental Services In Kivallivik
Question 136-13(6): Dental Services In Kivallivik
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 259

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Ng.

Further Return To Question 136-13(6): Dental Services In Kivallivik
Question 136-13(6): Dental Services In Kivallivik
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 259

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Mr. Speaker, I did not catch the end of the question. I caught the selection, but I am not sure if he is referring to the dentists or the dental therapists. Thank you. Could he clarify that?