Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My constituency of Rae-Edzo was most interested in undertaking the brush-clearing contract of Smiley Lake and Frank's Channel. The request for quotes on the contract date was February 7th, and the closing date of February 16th, leaving nine days for the Rae band to forward the original submission to the Northwest Territories Power Corporation in Hay River. The residents had nine days to review and assess almost 50 pages of tender document costing and development of appropriate quotes.
Given the GNWT's stated commitment to increasing employment and business opportunities at the local level, we presumed the Northwest Territories Power Corporation shared this strong commitment. Had there been consultation with the Rae band on this employment opportunity for their members, it would have been a clear example of what this government has been saying it will do. However, this was not the underlying intent judging by the unrealistic requirements in the tender document.
The process expectation and financial commitment that this tender requires is beyond the ability of local organizations and business to compete because of the limited financial resources. The expectation in the tender document requires a 10 per cent bid bond and a performance bond in the amount of 50 per cent of the contract price, and a labour and material bond is also in the amount of 50 per cent of the contract price. Given the significant size of the contract and the Rae Band Limited financial resources, it is almost impossible for my constituency to accommodate the security requirements.
The time frame for submissions allowed no room to negotiate financing or to make other arrangements precludes us from satisfying the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. The irony of this process is that the brush clearing is within the area of Rae-Edzo, but the approach taken by the Northwest Territories Power Corporation sabotages any idea that employment may be possible for the local residents. Fundamental change is critical here if the Northwest Territories Power Corporation is committed to creating employment at the local level.
I would suggest that for contracts of this nature, advance consultation with the communities in the area be undertaken and realistic security requirements be developed.