The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released a workplan that outlines the activities the GNWT will undertake over the next twelve months to improve procurement processes and practices by the end of the 19th Legislative Assembly.

The workplan is separated into key categories:

• administrative updates that include tasks to make it easier to do business with the GNWT;
• actions to improve government procurement’s transparency and accountability; and
• efforts to deliver on increasing the benefits of government procurement for Indigenous and NWT businesses.

The workplan addresses many of the recommendations in the Independent Panel’s report on GNWT procurement policies and practices. Some of the larger policy recommendations have linkages to work being undertaken with Indigenous governments to explore options on the development of Indigenous procurement policy approaches that may enhance opportunities for Indigenous businesses.

This workplan highlights areas of work completed since the start of the 19th Assembly, which include formalizing GNWT’s principles for government procurement. These principles will continue to guide the work of the procurement review.

The workplan is also informed by input received from Indigenous governments and others separate to the Panel’s report. Additionally, the workplan will advance internally identified items to improve administrative processes and address challenges.

As the GNWT continues to advance this work, it will continue to honour its consultation requirements with Modern Treaty and Self-Government partners.

Quote(s)

“This workplan addresses many of the improvements to government procurement we wish to see by the end of the 19th Legislative Assembly. It is a collaborative effort across GNWT departments. I look forward to this work being completed and creating long-lasting policies and practices that will support the benefits of government procurement for residents and businesses in the NWT.”

-Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance

Quick facts

• In January 2020, the GNWT released a discussion paper on government procurement.
• An Independent panel was established to review GNWT procurement policies and practices in January 2021.
• The panel completed the review of GNWT procurement policies and practices and the report was released in September 2021.
• The GNWT principles for government procurement are:
• Honour treaty commitments and support meaningful implementation of treaties;
• Provide for government procurement that balances the commitment to ensure open, fair and transparent procurement processes that are competitive, deliver value for money and provide direct benefits to NWT residents and NWT businesses, while adhering to treaty obligations and trade agreements;
• Enhance opportunities for all NWT Indigenous businesses, including ensuring equitable access to government procurement opportunities by all NWT Indigenous businesses through fair and transparent practices;
• Generate opportunities and maximize employment and capacity development to provide immediate and long-term benefits for NWT residents and NWT businesses;
• Make it easier to do business with the GNWT, by ensuring that procurement tools and policies are clearly articulated and easily accessible, and that business intelligence is shared in an appropriate and impartial manner; and
• Balance risks appropriately between all parties by allowing for open discussions and innovative approaches to responsibly address risk exposure for businesses and the GNWT.

For media requests, please contact:

Todd Sasaki

Manager, Public Affairs and Communications

Department of Finance

Government of the Northwest Territories

todd_sasaki@gov.nt.ca