QIA adopts Inuit-first procurement policy

ANNETTE BOURGEOIS

Inuit firms have always had an advantage over non-Inuit firms when selling goods and services to the regional Inuit association in Baffin, but now it’s in writing.

The Qikiqtani Inuit Association has drafted strict guidelines governing the purchase of computers, furniture and a whole range of goods and services.

“We’re saying we should practise what we preach,” said QIA president Lazarus Arreak.

The preferential treatment includes giving a 10 per cent price advantage to Inuit firms who bid on contracts to supply the QIA with goods and services worth less than or equal to $50,000. Inuit firms located outside Nunavut are entitled to a five per cent advantage.

For purchases worth more than $50,000, a 7.5 per cent rate will be given to firms that are 100 per cent Inuit-owned, and an additional 7.5 per cent to businesses based in Nunavut.

Under Article 24 of the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement, the federal and territorial governments are obliged to help Inuit firms compete for economic and business opportunities. Land claim organizations aren’t held to the same rules, though in general they do give preference to Inuit firms.

QIA, including its affiliated organizations, Qikiqtaaluk Corporation and Kakivak Association, is the first Inuit organization to impose strict written guidelines for itself. In the past, senior managers used their own discretion when procuring goods and services.

“We as a regional Inuit organization didn’t have anything to guide us along in our day-to-day operations,” Arreak said. “We thought we should have something to guide our senior managers in their daily business of purchasing services and goods so we also conform to the principles set out in Article 24 of the Nunavut land claim.”

Arreak said he expects other organizations to follow QIA’s lead.

“We are anticipating requests for copies from other Inuit organizations and we will gladly share it,” Arreak said, adding he’s already been in contact with members of the Keewatin and Kitikmeot associations.

Arreak hopes the policy will bring better prices as well as more Inuit firms competing for QIA’s business.