Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister has given some information that, in fact, four large tenders that have gone out have been won by companies in the capital. This prorating BIP just confuses the issue more, I believe. Wouldn't it be better if we actually broke it down? For the last tender of 112, 45 were scheduled for Inuvik, 55 for Yellowknife and I believe five for Fort Simpson is the information I was provided. Mr. Speaker, the government may have saved $55,000 on this one tender, but if smaller businesses throughout the Territories cannot start winning some of these bids, then they are going to have to start letting employees go. Where do employees go? Either to the unemployment office or the income support office and then the government will have to pick up the tab there. So what benefit are we deriving for the NWT as a whole? Would the government consider breaking down these tenders, so at least the regionally-based companies can afford to bid these things?
Floyd Roland on Question 347-14(6): Consolidating Contracts For Computers
In the Legislative Assembly on October 1st, 2003. See this statement in context.
Supplementary To Question 347-14(6): Consolidating Contracts For Computers
Question 347-14(6): Consolidating Contracts For Computers
Item 6: Oral Questions
September 30th, 2003
Page 1117
See context to find out what was said next.