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CAMSC Conference Calls for Procurement Policy Reform to Drive Economic Growth
On September 26-27, CAMSC hosted a policy conference in Ottawa to advocate for procurement policies that promote the integration of Aboriginal and minority business (AMBs) into corporate and government supply chains. A number of experienced practitioners highlighted the value supplier diversity can add to the Canadian economy.
The conference provided a good overview of the issue from a Canadian perspective, as well as an understanding of the successes and challenges that have come from the US experience. A key issue emerging from the discussions was the role that public and private sector policies can play in encouraging AMB participation. National Chief Phil Fontaine noted that, while the US economy is most often perceived as more 'dog-eat-dog' than that of Canada, it also true the US has been far more progressive in the promotion of AMB initiatives. As both the federal government and the government of Ontario are currently reviewing their procurement policies, we have a great opportunity to design pro-active answers of our own that will promote growth, increase productivity and leverage Canada's diversity advantage in the global economy.
The conference coincided with the release of CAMSC's report, Why Aboriginal and Minority Business Integration is Essential to Canada's Economic Growth. The report details eight key reform strategies based on Canada's experience and international best practices including:
- Creation of private sector procurement partnerships
- Development of SME and aboriginal and minority business infrastructure
- Harmonization of communications strategy within government
- Implementation of uniform evaluation, data, and reporting
- Provision of partnerships and special services for women-owned businesses
- Building linkages to civil society
- Mentoring program initiation
- Certification collaboration
"We are calling for a procurement policy that requires companies doing business with the federal government and with crown corporations to report on their purchases from aboriginal and minority suppliers," said CAMSC president Orrin Benn. "We're also calling for the harmonization of federal purchasing rules with U.S. regulations, as they affect Aboriginal and minority businesses, which will expand market opportunities for Canadian entrepreneurs. Aboriginals and visible minorities are indispensable to Canada's economic future. Procurement policy is an effective tool to improve their access and integration in the Canadian economy."
To order your copy of "Why Aboriginal and Minority Business Integration is Essential to Canada's Economic Growth", contact CAMSC.