City of Regina Implements Indigenous Procurement Policy

Regina City Council has approved the City’s new Indigenous Procurement Policy.

Regina is committed to reconciliation and this policy, which outlines a minimum goal of 20 per cent Indigenous procurement, is a step along our journey to economic reconciliation. Effective immediately, the procurement policy puts tools in place to foster greater success for Indigenous-led business growth and development within Regina and area.

The Indigenous Procurement Policy has been developed in collaboration with the Indigenous Procurement Advisory Committee (IPAC) who have graciously provided insight and support to our team to help us move forward together in reconciliation. The IPAC will continue to meet and provide guidance to support implementation of the Indigenous Procurement Policy to its fullest.

“Economic fairness is imperative for our collective future,” said Regina Mayor Sandra Masters. “It requires us to understand where barriers exist and to collaborate with, and learn from, Indigenous partners to find solutions. We are grateful for these partnerships and their guidance through this process.”

“The City of Regina’s Indigenous Procurement Policy is a step in the right direction to create economic prosperity for Indigenous owned businesses and our community,” said Thomas Benjoe, President & CEO, FHQ Developments. “The work that the Indigenous Procurement Advisory Committee (IPAC) was critical in helping to shape the policy with Indigenous perspectives to ensure that there are appropriate supports and accountabilities established in the processes” said Benjoe, “This commitment to a minimum 20% total spend is historic and will benefit not only our Indigenous business community but our community at large through the reinvestment that most Indigenous businesses make in supporting our local economies.”

Currently, the City spends approximately $200 million on procurement per year, with 0.15 per cent procured through Indigenous business which equals approximately $300,000. At current procurement levels, a minimum 20 per cent Indigenous procurement value would be at least $41 million worth of goods and services procured through Indigenous businesses.

The City’s Indigenous Procurement Partner has recently been hired and is settling into their role connecting with stakeholders and providing support to Administration to affect the rollout of the Indigenous Procurement Policy. As part of the rollout and to ensure effective implementation of the Policy, training and support will be provided to all areas of administration.

Visit Regina.ca/procurement for more information about the Indigenous Procurement Policy.