Sole searching

Answers to questions on the awarding of sole-source contracts were hard to find for Iqaluit MLA Ed Picco Tuesday.

Directing questions to Premier Don Morin, Picco said he had heard of an instance in his riding where government policies on sole-source contracting were not followed, and asked what the government does when its policies are not obeyed.

The premier said he would look into the matter if Picco would specify what contract he was referring to. But under the rules of question period, Picco could ask no more questions. Picco protested the premier had not answered his question, which had to do with the policy and not a specific case. "I asked a specific question, I would like a specific answer," said Picco.

Speaker Sam Gargan noted ministers are not required to answer questions, and said Picco had no point of order. Near the end of question period, Picco got another chance. "What is the policy for circumventing sole-source policy as outlined in the Financial Administration Act?"

"I must rule that question out of order because it has already been asked," said Gargan, who then offered Picco a chance to rephrase the question.

"Is there a penalty for circumventing the government's sole-source policy?" asked Picco.

"I'll have to take that question as notice," responded Morin, saying he would find out and get back to Picco.

Pulling federal jobs North

Some of the government jobs lost to budget cutbacks could be replaced with federal jobs, says Yellowknife Centre MLA Jake Ootes.

On Wednesday Ootes made a motion to have the government take an inventory of federal government jobs in the South that would be more appropriately located in the North.

"There is a golden opportunity for us here to identify these positions at this time, especially after the election with a new minister of Indian and Northern affairs to be appointed," said Ootes in the legislature Tuesday.

Morin said the government has started looking at the possibility of moving federal jobs north in meetings with Minister of Northern Affairs Ron Irwin and the two Northern MPs. One hundred jobs related to oil and gas development were recently identified, he added.

"I want to make the public to understand this government is working very aggressively on this issue already," said Morin.

Morin said marshalling political support was also key -- "We will be meeting with both our MPs as soon as we can, I will be talking to the prime minister tomorrow and the new minister of Northern affairs as soon as he or she's appointed."

Ootes noted the federal government, by cutting transfer payments and taking mineral and gas royalties, has cost the North jobs and money.

"If they don't give us royalties, then give us the jobs," said Ootes.

Expensive problems

The territorial government expects it will spend almost $9.5 million on alcohol and drug treatment this year.

Minister of Health and Social Services Kelvin Ng reported the figure in a written reply to a question posed by Mackenzie Delta MLA David Krutko.

The majority of the money, $5,143,000, goes to treatment centres, with the rest paying for community projects.

Top volunteer

Earlier this week Yellowknife resident Alan Falconer was named this year's recipient of the NWT Outstanding Volunteer Service Award.

A 32-year resident of the North, Falconer has volunteered his time and energy for the improvement of life for NWT seniors.

The announcement of this year's winner was made in the legislative assembly by municipal and community affairs minister Manitok Thompson.

A presentation honoring Falconer will be held July 25 at the Aven Manor, one of several seniors facilities in the capitol that Falconer was instrumental in building.