There were lots of comments on both sides of the Legislature during Question Period today (Tues) when discussing making an effort for the government to procure products and services locally, or in Canada.

The Official Opposition suggested that despite the provincial government stating there would be an effort to do so, park reservations and hunting and fishing licenses have been contracted to a Texas-based company called Aspira, for about $2 million a year. Shadow Minister for SaskBuilds and Procurement, Erika Ritchie, said “Donald Trump is taking steps to crush our economy. It’s not right to ship these jobs across the border to save a buck.”

SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit responded that in the last year, over 95 per cent of the government contracts through SaskBuilds were awarded to Saskatchewan suppliers.

Ritchie suggested that considering Saskatoon is a hub of software innovation, there are world-class software companies that are being shut out of these contracts. Minister of Environment, Travis Keisig, said IT contracts can be expensive, and they are happy with Aspira’s service. Opposition deputy house leader Meara Conway replied that Donald Trump thanks the government for its business.