Discussions continue surrounding the Alberta Government's role regarding Carillion's highway maintenance contracts being awarded to a British Columbia company, Emcon.

Wayne Drysdale, former Minister of Transportation and Transportation Critic for the UCP Caucus, says there's been some confusion as to how the contracts were handled.

"The way the road builders made it sound is that the government put it out for sole source tender. That's not what happened. The receiver sold off Carillion's assets, which included that contract," he said.

Carillion, a British company, held over 40 per cent of Alberta's highway maintenance contracts before going into receivership. The contracts have been awarded to British Columbia company, Emcon Services Inc., and it is said that Emcon's bid was the only one on the table.

Volker Stevin, Ledcor, La Prairie, Carmax and Alberta Highway Services have requested a judicial review, to determine whether the Alberta Government followed its own procurement policies.

Drysdale says current Minister of Transportation, Brian Mason isn't very forthcoming when it comes to the details.

"The minister has been asked by media, and I see his response is that he would respond with the details after the contract was signed. Road builders are saying that he extended the contract and gave them more money, now that's the questionable part, if that's actually true, but the Minister isn't coming clean with the details," he said.

Drysadale adds that until Brian Mason provides details, all anyone can do is speculate.

"I'm a little disappointed that the Minister won't share the facts. I'm going to have some real questions if they gave them more money and lengthened the contract without tendering. That seems a little strange," he said.

This matter is up for review in Alberta Courts in early September. We'll provide updates as they become available.

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email abouchard@goldenwestradio.com