Quebec wants to increase by 60% the proportion of public contracts obtained by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the regions.
The President of the Treasury Board, Sonia LeBel, presented Thursday Bill 12, An Act mainly to promote Quebec and responsible purchasing by public bodies. This bill, which is part of a broader strategy, aims to favor Quebec purchases in contracts whose value is below the thresholds of the applicable international agreements ($100,000 or less). It would allow public bodies to reserve contracts for small businesses in Quebec and grant a preferential margin of no more than 10% based on the Quebec value added.
At a press conference at the National Assembly, Minister LeBel said she was particularly targeting the strategic sectors of health and the bio-food industry. “Ultimately, we want 100% of businesses, departments and organizations to source their food from Quebec, in the agri-food industry,” she declared. “We’re going to tell the departments and agencies: ‘You have to do it,'” she continued. It will become: “You must prioritize Quebec purchases below the thresholds, and if you are unable to do so, you must justify it”. »
“Stimulating innovation”
The Conseil du patronat du Québec (CPQ) immediately applauded the tabling of Bill 12. awarding of public contracts,” reacted the president of the CPQ, Karl Blackburn, in a press release. “The bill will stimulate innovation and favor local businesses, while respecting international agreements,” he added.
Ultimately, we want 100% of businesses, departments and organizations to source their food from Quebec,
Same story on the side of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), which is delighted that the government wants to prioritize local purchasing as part of its supplies. According to a CFIB survey, 53% of Quebec SMEs consider it a priority for government departments and agencies to source more from them, while respecting the agreements.
“The government is opening doors for more SMEs to contribute more to economic development,” said Francis Bérubé, Director of Provincial Affairs at CFIB. “By setting an example, he sends a positive message to his entrepreneurial community. Remember that buying local was a survival factor for three out of 10 SMEs during the pandemic. »