Council Approves New Procurement Framework to Support Local Economy

(Fort McMurray, AB – January 27, 2016) – Support for the local economy will be considered in future procurement strategies, Council voted Tuesday.

The Municipality will begin to develop a Social Procurement Framework, following direction from Council. Under this framework, community benefit clauses will be added to all competitively bid opportunities as part of this new procurement strategy.

“Now — more than ever — we need to find solutions to benefit our local businesses,” said Mayor Melissa Blake. “I’m looking forward to seeing the results of the Social Procurement Framework, which has the potential to benefit both local vendors and our community.”

Community benefits may be achieved in several ways, including a prime contractor requirement to award a percentage of work to local vendors or residents, providing opportunities for apprenticeships or providing employment opportunities for at risk or marginalized residents in the community.

Administration consulted with the Fort McMurray Construction Association and Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association, which expressed their support for the proposed framework. As the process continues, the Municipality will consult with local stakeholders on an ongoing basis.

Other cities, including Vancouver, Toronto and Winnipeg have similar Social Procurement Frameworks in place.

Administration will report back to Council with the final proposed framework and suggested projects that would be recommended as a pilot project to undertake the next steps.

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Media inquiries:

Aimée Harper
Communications and Stakeholder Relations
780-788-4364
aimee.harper@rmwb.ca

NT5