By Ian Holmes

Island Communities look at Social Procurement Policies

Jun 24, 2016 | 4:40 PM

Qualicum Beach is leading the charge and other island communities could be following shortly.

Qualiucm Beach has approved Canada’s first ever social procurement policy, which puts a premium on increased social values when tax dollars are being spent.

Consultant Sandra Hamilton helped form the recently endorsed policy for Qualicum Beach; she says more strategic approaches to public sector purchases would have a stronger impact on Vancouver Island.

“I would estimate that the public sector probably accounts for half of our economy, so how the public sector spends money is driving our economy and impacting and shaping our communities,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton says a focal point point of the social procurement strategy for Qualicum Beach is to support entrepreneurs and young families.

armed robbery

Knife-wielding man robs south Nanaimo liquor store

1h ago

Shorthanded

Clippers fall short hosting Bulldogs

8h ago

off the schedule

BC Ferries preemptively cancels early Saturday sailings

15h ago

“If we want an entrepreneurial economy, let’s structure public sector procurement in a way that gives stability of demands to new businesses and families.”

She points out that social procurement is a mandate of the federal government when infrastructure projects are funded.

“So when that money starts to flow, it’s important that we’re ready to add community benefits to our public sector contracts.”

Hamilton says Victoria, Tofino and Cumberland are also in the process of forming their own social procurement strategies.