The Yukon Contractors Association (YCA) is requesting “meaningful consultation” on the Yukon First Nations procurement policy with the next territorial government and to “directly engage with Yukon First Nation businesses and governments to develop a policy that can be successfully implemented.”
The association released a statement Tuesday.
“The Yukon Contractors Association supports the objectives outlined in the Yukon First Nations Procurement Policy; however, we feel that the process has failed to use the expertise within the contracting community,” said YCA president Clint Teichrob.
“We are seeking to engage with Yukon First Nations to discuss options to improve the Yukon First Nations Procurement Policy.”
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.
Posted: Mar 05, 2021 6:00 AM CT | Last Updated: March 5
Yukon s Highways and Public Works Minister Richard Mostyn says the new policy creates opportunities for all Yukon businesses, and that he s heard of only a few businesses that oppose it. (Steve Silva/CBC)
The Yukon government is implementing a new policy that aims to give First Nations businesses a leg up when it comes to bidding on government contracts.
The first phase of the Yukon First Nations Procurement Policy is now in effect.
The policy looks to award 15 per cent of all territorial procurement contracts to Yukon First Nations businesses, and incentivizes subcontracting or partnering with those businesses.
Posted: Feb 20, 2021 7:00 AM CT | Last Updated: February 20
A Whitehorse trucking company has hired a lawyer as it disputes the Yukon government s First Nations procurement policy. (Steve Silva/CBC)
A lawyer for a Whitehorse trucking company is questioning the validity of the Yukon government s First Nations procurement policy, and says legal action may be coming if the government can t alleviate his client s concerns.
Brian Beresh, lawyer for P.S. Sidhu Trucking Ltd., wrote to Highways and Public Works Minister Richard Mostyn on Feb. 12 asking for the data and information the Yukon government relied on to create the policy.
The letter accuses the government of failing to adequately consult the wider business community and claims the policy may be unconstitutional. The government spent two years working with First Nations but only met with businesses once the policy was completed, the letter states.