Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you honourable Members.
The Auditor General’s final recommendation is that the department ensure that a single authority certifies that the design and construction of the bridge meet the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code, and that certification be obtained before the bridge is open to traffic. The department assured the committee that it is seeking the most practical means to ensure that the bridge is signed off by an Engineer of Record.
Further quality testing will be required for a single Engineer of Record to sign off on the bridge, which will carry additional costs. If the GNWT’s own engineer signs off as Engineer of Record, the GNWT will once again assume all the risk that entails.
Recommendation 3
The Standing Committee on Government Operations recommends that before the Deh Cho Bridge opens to traffic, the Department of Transportation ensure that a qualified authority certifies that the design and construction of the Deh Cho Bridge meet the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code.
The committee is concerned that the department may bury or delay costs in an effort to remain within the current project budget. The committee noted that the Deh Cho Bridge Project includes many costs that are internal to the department and the GNWT as a whole. For example, the committee understands that legal action is being considered, but cost implications are unknown.
Recommendation 4
The Standing Committee on Government Operations recommends that the department keep all Members of the Legislative Assembly fully apprised of progress on the bridge and cost implications, and provide regular updates to the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure. These updates should include details specifically related to project risks, schedule, toll collection and establishing an Engineer of Record.
The department should provide Members with a timeline and total cost for the completion of the Deh Cho Bridge project at the earliest possible date.
Recommendation 5
The Standing Committee on Government Operations recommends the department
should provide an all-in, total cost for the project when it is complete that clearly identifies internal costs to the Legislative Assembly and the public.
The committee understands that the department has yet to provide a formal action plan on how it will implement the Auditor General’s recommendations.
Recommendation 6
The Standing Committee on Government Operations recommends that the Department of Transportation provide and make public a detailed action plan to implement the recommendations contained in the Auditor General’s report on the Deh Cho Bridge Project, within 90 days.
Mr. Speaker, I now return the report back to the chairman, Mr. Menicoche.