http://news.ontario.ca/maa/en/2015/06/ontario-launches-aboriginal-procurement-program.html?utm_source=ondemand&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p

News Release

Ontario Launches Aboriginal Procurement Program

Province Helping Aboriginal Businesses Build Capacity, Form Partnerships

Ontario is launching a new initiative that will help Aboriginal business owners sell products and services to the Ontario government and help them secure future contracts and clients.

The Aboriginal Procurement Program will result in more opportunities for Aboriginal suppliers to do business with the Ontario government. Provincial ministries will be encouraged to buy from Aboriginal-owned businesses when goods and services benefit Aboriginal people or communities.

The program will provide Aboriginal businesses with a better understanding of the government procurement process while also helping to create partnerships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal businesses by encouraging joint ventures for large contracts.

As part of Ontario's commitment to transparency, an annual report will be released publicly to show the government's progress on increasing procurement from Aboriginal suppliers.

Encouraging Aboriginal business development and supporting employment opportunities for Aboriginal businesses and organizations is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic and innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.