News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government is expanding its procurement oversight process for goods, services and construction services to include NB Liquor and Cannabis NB.

Legislation to consolidate the Crown Construction Contract Act and the Procurement Act came into effect in December 2022.

“This change is part of our work under the New Brunswick First Procurement Strategy to standardize procurement to ensure all provincial entities are bound by the same purchasing regulations,” said Service New Brunswick Minister Mary Wilson. “Working together to support New Brunswick businesses is part of our pro-growth agenda, and I am very proud of the success that we have seen so far.”

The New Brunswick First Procurement Strategy and Action Plan was launched in 2020 in collaboration with Opportunities NB and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure as part of the government’s economic recovery and growth plan.

“We are fully committed to supporting New Brunswick companies in doing more business with the government of New Brunswick and with each other, while ensuring a competitive environment by working across government to reduce regulatory burden,” said Greg Turner, minister responsible for Opportunities NB. “Through collaboration, we are delivering results for the province by building capacity, reducing dependence on imports, closing supply chain gaps, and increasing opportunities for our businesses.”

In the 2022-23 fiscal year, more than 81 per cent of the value of all goods, services and construction contracts were awarded to local suppliers. This represents roughly $2.3 billion in spending kept within the province, a contribution of $1.1 billion to the province’s gross domestic product, and $133.4 million in employment income for the province.

At the end of the first quarter in fiscal year 2023-24, 91 percent of the value of all goods, services and construction contracts were awarded to local suppliers.