Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Ramsay on June 2, 2006, regarding the Dene K'onia facility project.
Public Works and Services can dispose of public infrastructure without consulting affected Members of the Legislative Assembly and standing committee. PWS is responsible for administering the disposal of improved real property policy. The intent of this policy is to dispose of surplus property in a manner that maximizes public benefits. As the property -- the land -- was to be reused by Health and Social Services, the disposal of the building fell under the mandate of PWS. In accordance with the policy, the deputy minister of PWS can authorize the demolition of the building without notifying the affected MLAs and the standing committee.
PWS approved the publication of the tender to demolish the Dene K'onia facility as part of the usual process for such projects.
In collaboration with H&SS, subject to an independent consultant report on new construction versus renovation, PWS was advised to pursue the new construction option.