Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, the following motion:
WHEREAS the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway (ITH) project is the largest infrastructure project completed to date by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), with a cost of more than $300 million;
AND WHEREAS the ITH project was undertaken by the GNWT as a negotiated contract;
AND WHEREAS construction of the highway was initiated by the previous 17th Legislative Assembly;
AND WHEREAS cost and contract considerations during construction resulted in changes to the project's methodology;
AND WHEREAS there have been unplanned closures during the first year of the operation of the highway;
AND WHEREAS it is in the public interest to ensure that large infrastructure projects are well-managed according to best practices, deliver good value for money, and that any potential improvements are identified for future projects;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that the 18th Legislative Assembly request that the Auditor General of Canada undertake a special audit of the ITH project and report thereon to the Legislative Assembly;
AND FURTHER, that the Auditor General assess project control, administration, and the long-term implications of related financial arrangements; value for money; reporting; and adherence to the standards for contracting and procurement;
AND FURTHERMORE, that the Auditor General investigate and consider any other factors that, in his opinion, are relevant;
AND FURTHERMORE, that all employees and officials cooperate fully with the Auditor General in providing all appropriate documents, papers, and information;
AND FURTHERMORE, that the GNWT inform all relevant contractors of the nature and purpose of the special audit;
AND FURTHERMORE, that the Auditor General be requested to complete the audit as soon as practical and provide a report to the Legislative Assembly;
AND FURTHERMORE, that the Speaker formally transmit this motion and the content of our proceedings today to the Auditor General for his consideration. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.