NEW PURCHASING ACT INTRODUCED

A new Purchasing Act introduced today in the Legislature will increase efficiencies and save money by enabling government to work with other public institutions, such as health districts and schools, on joint purchasing activities.

The new Act will also allow government to give preference to environmentally friendly products or to Saskatchewan suppliers on tenders that fall below the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) thresholds. The AIT thresholds are $25,000 for goods and $100,000 for services purchased or construction projects.

"Saskatchewan Property Management Corporation initiated an Action Plan on Procurement in 2002 that was designed, in part, to optimize the economic benefits government purchasing creates within our province," Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Property Management Corporation Deb Higgins said.

Preference for Saskatchewan suppliers and environmentally friendly products will not be mandated, but departments and agencies will have the opportunity to choose these options in instances where the price difference is not significant.

"By making it easier for government to work with other publicly funded organizations, such as health regions and schools, we are creating opportunities for increased efficiencies and cost savings," Higgins said.

The existing Purchasing Act will be repealed, rather than amended, to modernize the language and make other minor changes.

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For More Information, Contact:

Nadine Sisk Saskatchewan Property Management Corporation Regina Phone: (306) 787-9225