Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Can Now Post on Provincial Tenders Website

The province is helping Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq communities secure better contracts by posting tender notices on the provincial government tenders website.

"Glooscap First Nation recently approached us to post a tender for several construction projects," said Internal Services Minister Labi Kousoulis. "They wanted to connect with more suppliers and get the best possible value for their money. We are now making the same offer to all Mi'kmaq communities in Nova Scotia."

"The ability to access the Nova Scotia provincial tenders site is an important development for First Nations communities looking to grow and expand," said Chief Sidney Peters of Glooscap First Nation. "First Nations communities across Nova Scotia are leading many regional economic development initiatives, positively impacting the surrounding municipalities through increased investment and job creation.

"Our recent posting to the provincial tender site gave us increased exposure and more competitive bids."

Mi'kmaq communities that decide to post tenders on this website will be required to follow the same guidelines currently followed by all organizations who use this service. This includes posting relevant award information, responding to all enquiries, and providing supplier feedback.

The province's procurement website includes tenders from government agencies, boards and commissions, as well as broader public sector entities such as the Nova Scotia Community College, universities, Nova Scotia municipalities, school boards and the health-care sector.

Last year more than 3,000 public tenders were posted to the site at www.novascotia.ca/tenders . About 2,900 suppliers subscribe to the tender notification service and it has more than 1,400 Twitter followers.

The province spends more than $800 million each year buying goods and services, about 75 per cent of which are purchased from Nova Scotia-based suppliers.