New exemptions put prairies in focus for procurement for Sask. Crown corporations

A number of different Saskatchewan businesses, including construction and manufacturing companies, could stand to benefit from new procurement rules.
 
Seven Crown corporations will now be able to capitalize on exemptions in the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT). It means that Saskatchewan can now primarily source from the three provinces in the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA).

Besides Saskatchewan itself, that also includes Alberta and British Columbia.  
 
The exempt Crowns include:

• SaskEnergy Incorporated;
• Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation;
• Saskatchewan Government Insurance;
• Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation;
• Saskatchewan Power Corporation;
• Saskatchewan Telecommunications; and
• Saskatchewan Transportation Company.

“This is an important step forward,” Saskatchewan Construction Association President Mark Cooper said in a news release.  “The Saskatchewan Construction Association applauds the provincial leadership in tackling procurement transformation to ensure Saskatchewan businesses are treated fairly.”

“Public procurement is an important tool to drive innovation, stimulate investment, and create jobs,” Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Vice President and Saskatchewan Manufacturing Council Executive Director Derek Lothian said.  “This action by the provincial government promotes the principles of best value to both Saskatchewan businesses and taxpayers alike, while respecting the trade obligations that continue to strengthen Saskatchewan’s economy.”

Previously, rules dictated how procurements had to be open to businesses in all provinces and territories in Canada. The seven Crowns will also source from the rest of Canada outside the NWPTA and globally as warranted.