Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is true that there was a call for proposals earlier in the year. There was some criteria set to evaluate the proposals that were received.
A committee was set up to evaluate and recommend the best proposal. There was a difference in cost between the proposals. It is true that the proposal that was accepted does cost more. It was the view of the committee that, given the criteria and objectives set out, the Group of Three as it is called, best met the objectives of the program that was set out, recognizing the call was for a higher dollar amount. It was still felt, even after a review was done, that it was the right decision.
I should say I am not comfortable with talking specifics about the differences in proposals in public. I would prefer if there were some other means by which to be made accountable. It would seem to be unnecessarily critiquing or making negative comments about proposals that were received in good faith by this government. Thank you.