New Public Procurement Act Introduced

An initiative to ensure all public sector entities, such as hospitals, schools, municipalities and government departments, work together to get taxpayers the best value for the goods and services they buy will be moved forward with a new act introduced in the legislature today, April 13.

The Public Procurement Act, introduced by Percy Paris, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism, is part of the Provincial Government Procurement Initiative and a jobsHere commitment.

"We estimate that public sector entities procured more than $2-billion last year," said Mr. Paris. "It's our job to ensure this money is being spent wisely and all public sector entities are working together to be more efficient."

The act will allow for the development of a new procurement governance structure, including a chief procurement officer for the province. A Procurement Advisory Group of public procurement professionals throughout the province will be created to identify efficiencies, share best practices, and implement greater standardization.

The act also mandates supplier debriefing sessions, a common vendor complaint process, a code of ethics for all public procurement professionals and posting tender notices, winning bidder and award amounts online.

The changes will ensure greater consistency in procurement practices, and encourage innovative ideas and solutions, in line with the goals of jobsHere strategy, including sustainable and efficient procurement, developing competitive and innovative companies, and preparing suppliers for global markets.

"A priority of jobsHere is to help Nova Scotian businesses be more competitive globally," said Mr. Paris. "Through the Provincial Government Procurement Initiative, there will be more opportunities for local businesses to develop the skills necessary to apply for public sector procurement, better preparing them to compete globally."

The current supplier development program will be enhanced to encourage more local businesses to participate in public tenders.

The act will replace the Government Purchases Act, which no longer fits government's procurement objectives.