Auditor general asked to investigate Deh Cho Bridge partnership

A Northwest Territories MLA has asked federal Auditor General Sheila Fraser to look into how a New Brunswick contractor for a bridge over the Mackenzie River has become one of the project's shareholders.

Atcon Construction Inc. of Miramichi, N.B., contributed $2 million to the Deh Cho Bridge Corp.'s project at the end of January, in order to prevent the project from collapsing, Hay River South MLA Jane Groenewegen said Friday.

"Even after seven years, the proponents' real equity is very limited and the shareholder that they've attracted to join with them is none other than the general contractor for the bridge," Groenewegen saidin the legislative assembly.

"To the auditor general, I respectfully request you examine all documents, Hansard, transcripts, briefings and other materials related to this project. As a member of the legislative assembly, I have a duty to the public interest to ensure that the business dealings of our government are transparent, accountable and lawful."

The kilometre-long Deh Cho bridge is intended to provide a year-round link between the territory's North Slave region and road systems in southern Canada. It would replace the winter ice road and summer ferry service currently in placeon the river.

Atcon was awarded a $134 million contract in August to build the bridge, after an unnamed Alberta company pulled out of the project for unknown reasons.

Atcon's shareholder partnership was revealed in a concession agreement signed by the territorial government and the bridge corporation. The agreement was signed Jan. 31, butit was only released to Groenewegen and other MLAs who aren't in cabinet on Thursday night.

As a shareholder in the bridge, Atcon is expected to share whatever money the completed bridge earns with the community of Fort Providence, N.W.T., where the bridge will be based. The bridge corporation plans to charge tolls on commercialvehicles.

However, it is not clear if Atcon would also take responsibility for any debt the bridge corporation may incur from building or operating the bridge.