Board Voice executive director Jody Paterson was interviewed recently by RedEye co-op radio in Vancouver about BC’s procurement process and our concerns that it’s creating a playing field that tips the provision of vital social care services in the province toward multinational corporations. Listen to that interview here.
The WorkBC contracts awarded in December 2018 exemplify the problem. Twenty-two per cent of the funding for that major contract went to two multinationals. But other contracts that government is contemplating putting out to open bid will suffer the same fate if the province doesn’t weigh the extra value that non-profits bring as part of the bid selection.
Board Voice is seeking a meeting with Citizens Services Minister Jinny Sims to explore this important issue further. Sims’ ministry has responsibility for procurement.