Contractors group seeks dialogue on procurement
The Yukon Contractors Association (YCA) is requesting “meaningful consultation” on the Yukon First Nations procurement policy
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.”
The association said it believes direct engagement with First Nations-owned businesses and governments is a necessary step to improve the policy.
“The YCA believes that by having direct discussions with Yukon First Nations we will share a better understanding of how we are achieving the policy objectives and develop solutions that we could jointly provide to the Yukon government,” Tiechrob added.
The association represents the Yukon construction industry to all levels of government and to major development groups.
It said it strives to promote “harmonious co-existence” of northern contactors for the net benefit of the industry and a prosperous Yukon workforce.
“The First Nations procurement policy is part of a commitment made to First Nations under Chapter 22 of the Umbrella Final Agreement,” the Liberal campaign noted to the Star.
“It was developed with First Nations and is an important step in the commitment to fostering economic development in communities.
“We stand by this policy. We are disappointed but not surprised to hear the leader of the Yukon Party, who was responsible for the Peel planning debacle, use his position to reject yet another commitment made to Yukon First Nations.”
See letter.
Comments (9)
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Terri szabo --- --- on Apr 9, 2021 at 8:28 pm
I think they are pointing out what the UFA says. I don't think you've read it. It clearly states that the playing field should be equal and remain competitive. It doesn't say one group should receive preferential treatment. MOREOVER, it isn't the job of contractors to do the work of the government. The gov just handed the problem over to the private sector and said "there, now you deal with them."
The most idiotic thing is that FN's believe this gives some sort of advantage to FN. 6 million more paid to Ketza construction. How does that help FN? All it means is that the next time FN come to the table to discuss equality the gov gets to say "Oh, but look, we did help you, remember that BVR, that's an all native policy."
Your issue has been tossed out of the government and now they don't have to deal with FN. Meanwhile there is nothing beneficial for FN's in it. You want to take racism and privilege go ahead, but ask yourself, "Am i asking to be treated differently because of the colour of my skin OR because I can't compete because of the colour of my skin?" If you choose the latter, you're being an idiot, because plenty of people with the same colour skin of you are doing a-ok. Present company included.
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Terri Szabo on Apr 9, 2021 at 2:57 pm
@Salt and Pepper and Joe Blow
Anytime you want to discuss racism and privilege, give me a call, or better yet, stop by for coffee. I am in the phone book.
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Joe on Apr 8, 2021 at 4:49 pm
@terri...perfect now read 22 or any other section of UFA and tell us where is says Yukon Indians get preferential treatment on contract awards? If you took the time to read you would see the emphasis is on advising and assisting, not buying votes through preferential treatment.
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Salt on Apr 8, 2021 at 2:49 pm
@Terry
Was your intention to point out that the UFA in no way calls for the creation of a racist procurement policy?
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Terri Szabo on Apr 8, 2021 at 11:33 am
https://cyfn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/umbrella-final-agreement.pdf
CHAPTER 22 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MEASURES 249
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Jim on Apr 7, 2021 at 8:07 pm
@Typical Liberals. You hit the nail on the head. The recent Old Crow contract shows how a portion of the newly adopted Procurement Plan plays out. Taxpayers are on the hook for an extra 6 million plus. This is before the 20% extra if the Liberals get their way with the final phase of their First Nation ownership portion. That could drive the price up another 6 million or so. The other thing is that this does not just affect businesses in the YCA. This affects any business that sells to YTG by tender. We are talking everything from toilet paper to computers. Maybe something of this magnitude should have been a little more above board. Blaming the Yukon Party for asking for consultation is just typical Liberal election jibberish. Trying to ram this type of policy through before the election along with awarding a project that is over 20% above budget is just irresponsible. Nobody yet has been able to answer how this will be good for existing non-First Nation businesses as minister Mostyn has kept insisting.
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drum on Apr 7, 2021 at 5:35 pm
The First Nations is already favored with money - they are ahead of the game. I feel sorry for little non native contractors - they now will be losing jobs and income.
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stephen on Apr 7, 2021 at 3:05 pm
If the YCA start trying to put forward CCDC or MMCD as an example run the other way!!!
Now if both sides have a SCM professional who has a background in this in the room that would be a good start to fixing this mess. I would hope the FN had engaged SCM professionals before agreeing to this as from my view, it looks like people who have no real clue on procurement put this together.
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Typical Liberals on Apr 7, 2021 at 2:48 pm
Why don't the Liberals release the statistical data that was used to arrive at this specific decision? Oh, right, there wasn't any research done.
What's the point in taking pot shots at the YP. This has nothing to do with them. Liberals + YFN made this up. YP wasn't part of it at all. Every request the YP has made to the Liberals has fallen on deaf, drunk ears that are hiding behind COVID. We've already seen the "new procurement" policy cost tax payers 6 million extra dollars in Old Crow. Now follow where that 6 million goes and how it benefits FN. Why not sit at the table with contractors and YFN and look into mentorship programs?