September 28, 2015
New Online Database will Increase Transparency, Make Government Contracts More Accessible: Minister Dewar
Manitobans will now have greater access to information related to provincial government contracts, Finance Minister Greg Dewar announced today, marking the launch of Right to Know Week 2015.
“It is important that we continue to increase transparency and accountability in government, for the benefit of Manitobans,” said Minister Dewar. “That is why we are taking proactive steps to make Manitoba the most transparent province in Canada when it comes to reporting on government contracts.”
The creation of an online database was a key recommendation of the Office of the Auditor General of Manitoba in its March 2014 Annual Report to the Legislature. This newly available information includes monthly summaries of purchase orders and outline agreements worth $10,000 or more. Details include the name of the vendor, the purpose of the contract, the value, the duration of the contract and significant contract amendments.
The monthly reports will also include contract categories including tendered, sole source, direct award, emergency, and continuing service agreements that third-party organizations deliver on the government’s behalf.
“In Budget 2015, government committed to modernizing the tendering and contracting processes to ensure all procurement activities are streamlined and making information readily available to Manitobans who want it,” said Minister Dewar. “In addition to improving services, our new reporting systems are expected to reduce administrative costs.”
In addition to finding links for contracts on each department’s website, the public can view all of the reports online at the government’s Proactive Disclosure portal at www.gov.mb.ca/government/proactive_disclosure.html.
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