Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I thought I was very clear in my answer to the honourable Member from Yellowknife. As Ministers, we are politicians, in the political realm, in the Department of Public Works we try to make it as non-political as possible. The reason for giving the full authority to the deputy minister is to deal with it in a very businesslike fashion. Therefore, the deputy minister has the full authority to negotiate long-term arrangements with some substantial amounts of dollars attached to it. This has been the practice of this government for some time. It has worked in the past and it continues to work today. This is the way it is done, especially if it is done on a competitive basis. It is very clear when they go to a competitive basis, all the different safeguards which are in there. I am very sincere in the fact that I want to make sure it is done above board and as transparently as possible. The way to do it, is to continue with the way we are doing it in allowing the deputy ministers to do their work. Thank you.
Jim Antoine on Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
In the Legislative Assembly on February 13th, 1998. See this statement in context.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
February 12th, 1998
Page 791
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
See context to find out what was said next.