MLAs ask questions about Deveraux contract

A Prince Albert contract awarded to a Regina-based company has left some people scratching their heads.

Deveraux Developments will build a 22-unit housing complex, intended for health professionals, at Victoria Hospital.

The company made headlines in September, after government withdrew funding from a Deveraux affordable housing development here in Regina.

In question period Thursday, the Opposition wanted to know — why Deveraux?

Is there some kind of special relationship between the government and the company, asked Buckley Belanger, MLA for Athabasca.

The answer from Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer was a firm “no.”

Following question period, she told reporters that a company isn’t precluded from bidding on government contracts because of a project that runs into problems due to weather.

“It has to be worse than that,” she said. “We didn’t lose any money on that deal.”

When asked if the government is “playing favourites,” she said, “I don’t see where the lowest bid is playing favourites.”

The Prince Albert Parkland Health Region board of directors had been due to make its decision on the contract at its March 25 regular meeting.

But, on Tuesday, a health region press release revealed it was awarded to Deveraux the previous day at a special board meeting.

Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne was “shocked and surprised” to hear the health region’s board of directors had made their decision ahead of March 25, and was critical of the process.

“How can you have a public meeting when you don’t tell the public?” he asked.