GNWT’s procurement report outlines measures to boost benefits for NWT residents and businesses

August 14, 2023

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released the Report on the Review of GNWT Procurement Policies and Practices, which outlines a comprehensive plan to maximize benefits for Northwest Territories’ (NWT) residents and businesses by improving government contracting and purchasing practices.

The report highlights the notable improvements that have been implemented in the 19th Legislative Assembly, focusing on strengthening GNWT procurement policies and practices including the Business Incentive Policy (BIP), P3 projects and the Northern Manufactured Products Policy (NMPP). The report presents a carefully formulated plan for improving government procurement to maximize benefits for NWT residents and businesses. It also provides contract data spanning the past three years and outlines the intended course of action moving forward.

Over the past three years, the GNWT has conducted an in-depth review of its procurement policies and practices, implemented a number of changes, and devised a comprehensive plan to further address areas requiring improvement. The goal is to enhance procurement policies and practices in the territory to promote economic growth and empower local businesses.

In order to ensure transparency and accountability, the report includes an implementation plan that will be subject to annual reporting and presentation in the Legislative Assembly. The implementation plan includes 22 areas that are being addressed under the following five themes:

1. GNWT Procurement Objectives and Strategy
2. Approaches to Indigenous Procurement
3. Maximizing Benefits to NWT Residents and Businesses
4. Enhancing Accountability Mechanisms for Government Procurement
5. Procurement Policy Administration Challenges/Issues

Quote(s)

“When the 19th Legislative Assembly began, we made a promise to improve government procurement policies and practices to benefit the people and businesses of the Northwest Territories (NWT). The Report on the Review of GNWT Procurement Policies and Practices outlines a comprehensive plan to achieve this goal. These ongoing efforts will help make government procurement more transparent and better able to maximize benefits for NWT companies, while ensuring a balance between value for public dollars and circulating as much money as possible within the territory.”

– Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance

Quick facts

• The report highlights a positive trend in government contracts awarded to NWT businesses over the past three years, reflecting a commitment to supporting local enterprises and nurturing economic development within the territory.

Related links

• Report on the Review of GNWT Procurement Policies and Practices
• Report of the Procurement Review Panel
• Have Your Say-Procurement Review (Engagement is complete)

For media requests, please contact:

Todd Sasaki (he/his)

Manager, Public Affairs and Communications

Department of Finance

todd_sasaki@gov.nt.ca

NT5