Yellowknife (Dec 01/03) - It's all about developing trust in the Northern contracting business.

That's what close to 200 delegates learned at the Project Management Conference held at the Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife Nov. 25-27.

Artur Zajdler with Public Works, front, listens while a guest speaker provides a presentation during the Project Management Conference held at the Explorer Hotel Nov. 25-27.

The conference, organized by the Department of Public Works, brought together engineers, architects, geologists and geophysicists along with a large segment of government representatives from the public service, health and justice departments.

Brian Nagel with the Department of Public Works said the idea behind the conference was to develop relationships and promote trust in the industry.

He added that another important issue is managing risk.

"Between ensuring the product and getting the cost of delivery down, we're focusing on good construction practices," said Nagel.

It all adds up to timely and efficient delivery of projects, which is what Public Works is always aiming for, said Nagel.

"Everyone must make money. It's all about time, quality and cost. We want quality," said Nagel.