Public-Private Partnership Review Under Way

The Nova Scotia Department of Finance has announced that an independent, comprehensive review of the public-private partnership purchasing process is under way, with terms of reference and requests for proposals to carry out the review now available through the Public Tenders Office.

The firm hired to do the review will consider costs and benefits of the P3 process for all public infrastructure.

"Our government is committed to building good schools, safe correctional centres, and other facilities Nova Scotians need," Finance Minister Neil LeBlanc said. "Our government also stands for openness and accountability -- accountability to spend every dollar wisely and provide good value for taxpayers. That's what this review is about."

The review will consider if the theory of P3 can work in practice. The province's experience over the past several years will be evaluated. Issues such as affordability and value for money will also be assessed.

"In simple terms, does P3 represent a good deal for Nova Scotia?" Mr. LeBlanc said.

The analysis will be done using the full set of generally accepted accounting principles recently adopted by the province. These principles present the full value and costs of provincial programs, services and infrastructure on the books of the province.

"With the accounting issues out of the way, we can focus on the real issue: the costs and benefits of P3 for taxpayers," Mr. LeBlanc said.

A project steering committee, chaired by the Department of Finance, will evaluate proposals. Evaluation criteria include experience, project approach and demonstrated objectivity on P3. The request for proposals closes Nov. 1, 1999. The consultant selected is expected to report to government in December.

NOTE TO EDITORS: The request for proposal is on the Internet at:
www.gov.ns.ca/fina/tour/ .