Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the previous sitting, I discussed Marine Transportation Services, or MTS, as it is referred to. It is time to review the management and operations of MTS. It has been three years since the asset purchase, and we have stuck our head in the sand and let it operate as is. MTS was purchased to ensure uninterrupted freight services to the communities along the Mackenzie River and the coast. It quickly morphed into something more that includes providing services such as vessel repair and private charters.
Mr. Speaker, it is time this government identify what we are trying to achieve with MTS. I would like to see an up-to-date business plan confirming business structure options for MTS and planned areas of service it offers to third parties. I need to know how the current relationship this government has with ORSI will impact the future of MTS.
ORSI appears to have unfettered discretion in how it operates MTS based on a contract that I have not seen. How many extensions have been made to the contract, and have there been any concessions made by either side? I would like the contract to be made available, if not to myself, then to the Standing Committee on Economic Development. We have to understand where we are headed. As it affects Hay River and the communities it serves, it is of importance to me, other MLAs, and the residents of the NWT.
In a subsequent Member's statement, I stated that ORSI is currently supplying MTS with marine management and other personnel. Constituents continue to raise concerns with hiring practices, contracting practices, purchasing practices, and to date, it appears minimal improvement has been made to address those concerns. Furthermore, we may now see negotiations between the union and ORSI take place in the very near future. What impact will those negotiations have on this government and delivery of goods and services to the communities?
My overall concern continues to be oversight, or lack of it, that this government has with respect to the management relationship between MTS and ORSI. These concerns have been unaddressed for too long, and we need answers now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.