March 13, 2019
Manitoba Takes Action to Ensure Ethical Procurement Safeguards
The Manitoba government is taking steps to protect the province from unethical contractors, Premier Brian Pallister announced today.
“Events currently unfolding in Ottawa and elsewhere have caused our government to review policies that are intended to protect the government from unethical businesses,” he said. “What we have found so far is troubling.”
The review has found that in 2014, the previous government eliminated safeguards that prevented organizations with histories of ethical, criminal or performance issues from getting government contracts.
“The dismantling of those safeguards made Manitoba more vulnerable,” said the premier. “The reasons for the previous government’s decision are unexplained. The public was not told about that decision.
“Manitobans need far better protection than was left to us by the previous government. Our government is moving quickly to deliver that protection.”
To address those gaps, the Manitoba government announced last October that PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada has been retained to assist in developing and implementing a procurement modernization strategy. The premier confirmed today the work will now include advice aimed at ethical purchasing processes. The review will include the policies and practices of all government-related entities.
“Our government has a duty to ensure that its contractual relations adhere to the highest ethical standards,” he said. “This review will result in best-in-Canada procurement protection for Manitoba taxpayers.”
The premier confirmed the review has already begun.
- 30 -