News Release
Office of the Official Opposition
 

Changes made to Bill 53

House of Assembly serves an important accountability role
December 14, 2004

Percy Barrett, MHA for the District of Bellevue, says he is pleased that government has listened to his concerns with Bill 53, an Act to Amend the Public Tender Act, abandoning a change which would have allowed for an inappropriate shift of power to Ministers of the government.

"Yesterday I rose during debate in the House and put forth my concerns with this particular piece of legislation," said Barrett. "I was pleased to find out today that government agreed with my fear of transferring power to Ministers. It is one of the rare occasions where this government has admitted it is wrong and not rammed legislation through the House.

"I believe this situation is an example where the House of Assembly is effective in evaluating new policies. The concerns raised by Members in the House should always be taken seriously and changes made to legislation if necessary. I have taken part in these debates since 1989 and have great respect for the role of the legislature."

The Liberal MHA says he is concerned with the direction of the Williams government as it pertains to the increased use of Requests for Proposals (RFPs). "The increased usage of RFPs by this government concerns me because there is less accountability than the standard tendering process. The current administration tends to lean towards RFPs in many situations where it might be more open and transparent to use the tender process."

Media Contact:
Jeff Mackey
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6427