Thank you, Madam Chair.
I want to start off by saying that there were two false statements made up front. One was that this can only be done or happen after bidding has closed. That's not the case. It can be done beforehand. A second point was that this may not help communities. I can say, with a lot of confidence, that it does. Having said that, the proof will be brought forward when the process is then being undertaken, whether it be by municipalities or the private sector.
I do want to preface my comments by saying something that I think was alluded to by Mr. Smillie, and that is equality, confidence, and consistency throughout the system and throughout the nation when these bids are being let out. I mentioned earlier the residual benefits and the returns on investments that can be included within those residual benefits. Again, I think Mr. Smillie was alluding to that with respect to the skills of the workforce and the benefits that can be built into these matrixes when they're actually being weighted. There is a ripple effect. These contracts can be leveraged, not only with respect to the obvious but also with respect to the leveraging that can happen because of the added value of a contract.
Ensuring that definition is built into bids was also mentioned. For the most part, I think that goes without saying. With that, and based on defined expectations contained within bid documents, am I hearing that it's beneficial that within those definitions a matrix be put in place and that matrix be weighted based on the priorities of the government? Just as an example, some of those priorities might include skilled trades apprenticeships. They might include the alignment with, for example, an asset management plan for future investments.
I say that deliberately and specifically to Mr. Atkinson. Although it's defined within bid documents, the methods may differ from the bidders to come to those conclusions. That's why we go to bid process. It's for that very reason. Those methods, because one may be less expensive than the next, are what the game is all about.
Going to your point, I take the point, however obvious it is, very seriously, because I think that's what drives the agenda. That's what drives more value added when it comes to the taxpayer.
That said, I'll go back to my questions. First, do you agree that this weighted matrix is the most appropriate mechanism, based on definitions, of course? And second, do you find that it's up to the bidder to do their homework and to find out how in fact they can add leverage to future investments based on what they're actually bidding on today?