A review conducted by the Department of Natural Resources into the awarding of two months work for the winterization of the Bull Arm Site has confirmed that no documentation respecting the process to award the contract exists.

"I stated publicly last week that proper process was not followed in the awarding of the winterization work and that no tenders, requests for proposals or bids were obtained," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "Our review of files has confirmed that no documents or written contract exist regarding the awarding of the work and that the work was awarded verbally."

Minister Dunderdale requested and received the resignation of Joan Cleary, president and CEO of the Bull Arm Site Corporation, last Thursday when the minister became aware that important processes and government policies had not been followed in the administration of that position.

The department is working with its legal counsel to remedy the situation around the winterization contract by having a formal contractual arrangement put in place. An assistant deputy minister will fulfill the duties of the CEO and a staff member is reviewing the process for the awarding of other recent work at the site.

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Media contact:
Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-1703
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca