Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps said social procurement is a new approach to economic development. “Public-sector spending represents a very large portion of Vancouver Island’s economy, and how we spend those funds matters,” said Helps. “Social procurement enables public-sector entities to procure goods and services in line with the values of their communities and to the benefit of their local economies.” Colleen Evans, a Campbell River councillor and and co-chair with Helps on the B.C. Social Procurement Initiative steering committee, said the initiative’s resources and policies are “changing the culture of public-sector procurement.” Josie Osborne, minister of municipal affairs, said the B.C. Social Procurement Initiative supports a community-focused approach to procuring equipment, supplies and services for local governments in small and large centres, unique to each community’s needs.