The Government of Saskatchewan says it’s reviewed its procurement policies to try and minimize American suppliers as the trade war between Canada and the U.S. deepens.
However, severing the connection between the province and its largest trading partner is proving to be an issue in some areas.
The province put a pause on capital projects last month to find ways of increasing Canadian contributions. It also sifted though supply contracts in search of Canadian suppliers. According to Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement David Marit, the review is officially completed.
“Just asking companies that are bidding on [Request For Proposals] to look at sourcing, won’t say they will, looking at sourcing for Canadian companies or whatever the case may be,” he explained.
“As I said earlier, some of these companies have long term contracts outside Canadian borders. We have to respect that.”
Switching from American suppliers to Canadian may prove challenging over the short term.
Summer campground reservations at provincial parks along with Saskatchewan fishing licenses are processed in the United States.
During Question Period, the NDP challenged choices made by government.
“When I buy my hunting license in the fall or my fishing license in the spring, I don’t want those dollars going into the pockets of an American company. I want those dollars staying in our province, creating good job here, staying in my community,” NDP MLA Jared Clarke argued during question period.
With campground reservations underway, the government said it’s impossible to switch suppliers now.
“[It’s a] user friendly system, Mr. Speaker. Very popular with all hunters all across Saskatchewan and it’s working very effectively for each and every outdoorsman across the province,” explained Minister of Environment Travis Keisig.
Currently, only three percent of Saskatchewan government procurement is American.
The provincial government will look for ways to increase Saskatchewan content but quality and price will remain part of the bidding process.
