Frequently Asked Questions

The pre-qualification forms ask for detailed historical information. What financial information is best to include, the southern construction partner or Inuit Company?

We would like to see both the Inuit Company and southern partner’s information if possible. The intent is to understand history and financial capacity. This request for information is not unusual in major construction activities. At the least we want to see the southern partner’s financial history.

Who will see the financial information?

Only AEM procurement and construction people will see the financial info, it will not be shared with any other organization and will be treated with confidential respect.

Small and new companies will be challenged to provide the background and financial history on the forms. How can they be qualified?

AEM will consider pre-qualification of new and smaller companies and if there is no financial information available that is not a reason to not qualify. Our program will consider tailoring of smaller contract opportunities to provide small and new Inuit companies opportunity.

To gain bid preference points for Inuit companies there is a requirement to declare the percentage of net-profit going to the Inuit Company from the joint venture. Why is that needed and who will see it?

The KIA and AEM want to ensure that there is a true benefit to an Inuit company from a joint venture. We don’t want to see shell companies using the name of an Inuit venture to gain a competitive advantage, and then not provide the Inuit Company with any or minimal benefit. AEM will only ask for verification of net profits if needed and this information will be collected and seen by an independent auditor, who will only provide an overall opinion of the declaration of the percentage of net profit versus the actual.

How does the Meliadine IIBA affect current contracts under the Meadowbank IIBA?

There will be no changes to existing contracts with Meadowbank mine.

How will any Amaruq contract work be dealt with, the Meadowbank IIBA or Meliadine IIBA?

The KIA and AEM are considering that question. We can expect some changes as we cannot have 3 different procurement processes within the same region dealing with the same suppliers.Currently, AEM feels that the Meliadine IIBA procurement provides improved opportunity for Inuit businesses.

When will AEM decide on the Meliadine project and if it is a go will Baker Lake based businesses get an opportunity to bid on Meliadine projects?

Depending on market conditions and other economic factors we expect a decision by the AEM Board in the 1^st quarter of 2016. Baker Lake businesses can pre-qualify and get invited to submit for Meliadine packages based on category and size of contract. The local presence points will be applied and in the case of Baker Lake based Inuit firms that could be 2 points awarded.

How can we access the Labour Pool and how will that work for construction contracts?

AEM is already testing the labour pool program with our work readiness in communities program, on line safety training and orientation week. It has been successful to provide AEM with a pool to draw from for temporary workers. There will be a new labour pool coordinator in place soon and we will be able to clarify how contractors can access the pool in the future.

The current call for expression of interest and pre-qualification is only for pre-construction, will there be other categories once a decision on the project is made?

When a construction decision is made we will likely see hundreds of packages required to provide the goods and construction services needed. These will be posted on our website and we will likely share by email as well. The same will go for supplies and services when the mine goes into operation.

What about supplies for Meadowbank? Will that be considered for pre-qualification?

That is something that the KIA and AEM are in discussion about. We will have answers for you soon. Meantime, we will use the MBK IIBA and post notices as required for interest to tender.

Once a decision is made to proceed with the project, do we need to apply to re-qualify?

Not for construction, we will use your information once for both pre-construction and construction. However, we will issue notices of new categories and you can apply to qualify in new areas that you may be interested in at any time. We will post the categories and consider updating your initial pre-qualification information.

Can you provide a copy of the IIBA schedule B?

We will be working with the KIA on a plain language summary of the entire IIBA which we hope to have available in early 2016. A full e-version of the IIBA is available under the Meliadine – IIBA tab on this website.

Is there interest in developing opportunities in Baker Lake to serve MeadowbankAmaruq such as warehousinglight industrialabrication based in Baker Lake?

Yes there may be some opportunities. We would need to look at working with local businesses, KIA\Hamlet\GN and Canada programs to support initiatives such as this. AEM is not in the business of grants and loans but we will play a facilitator role if there is interest by the community and businesses.

When will you hold your next information session. This is good information for us to know but we don’t hear from you much these days?

Graeme Dargo is now tasked to lead communications with businesses on the Inuit Business Opportunities Initiative. We plan to be back for another information session in the 1^st quarter of 2016. Graeme will likely be with the new Labour Pool Coordinator who will be able to answer any questions about that initiative. Graeme would also expect to have more information on packages that follow the construction schedule.

You can also access our events section of this website to see an overview of all the activities involving Agnico Eagle and the Nunavut public.

What types of business development support would Inuit businesses expect from AEM?

Help for new businesses ventures to understand tailoring opportunities;
Introductions to southern firms that may be interested in joint ventures with Inuit;
Introduction to AEM operations management to promote goods and services available from local businesses
Workshop on joint venture formations