procurement

The Town of Quispamsis will prioritize “buying local” when making purchases.

This after the provincial government announced changes to procurement practices and other initiatives aimed at sourcing Canadian goods and services wherever possible.

Councillors voted unanimously to have staff review and amend the town’s current purchasing policy with an eye to purchasing in New Brunswick first.

Chief administrative officer Ian Watson says this would not affect orders already in progress that may be coming from the U.S.

“Our exposure is relatively limited and we would know that in accordance with our call with the premier, there’s no intention here to redirect orders that are in progress,” Watson said.

Legal opinions are being sought at the provincial level to ensure councils can make this kind of change to procurement policies.

Coun. Kirk Miller pointed out that municipal governments in New Brunswick, while not bound to do so, had always been recommended to take the lowest price when buying goods or services.

Watson said provincial legal counsel is addressing that issue.

He added the municipality’s legal counsel should probably weigh in as well.

“The intent is to preferentially choose Canadian suppliers whenever possible,” Watson said.

“The question is at what premium and are we well within our rights to do so. Those questions are being explored now.”