Facing a backlash from the business community and with a territorial election in sight, the Yukon government is temporarily backing off
some of the most contentious parts of its new First Nation Procurement Policy.
Richard Mostyn, the minister of Highways and Public Works, announced late Wednesday afternoon during a Zoom news conference that the introduction of the bid value reduction process, as well as the verification process, will be delayed until October to allow more consultation with businesses.
The bid reduction process, in practical terms, gives a discount to First Nations companies bidding on government contracts.
The verification process is carried out to make sure companies bidding on tenders claiming to be primarily owned by First Nations Yukoners meet the government definition.