North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney has been appointed as the NDP’s new critic for public services and procurement. The portfolio announcement was made after the party’s recent byelection win in Winnipeg.
According to an NDP media release, Blaney’s duties will include becoming the new permanent member on the standing committee for government operations and estimates. One of the committee’s current priorities is studying Indigenous procurement – a critical issue in the wake of data showing that billions of dollars in federal contracts intended for Indigenous businesses were awarded without verifying bidders’ Indigenous, Métis or Inuit status, the release stated.
“The procurement strategy for Indigenous business (PSIB) has been plagued by confusion, contradictions and a serious lack of transparency,” stated Blaney. “With more than 20 First Nations in my riding, I’ve witnessed firsthand how poorly designed programs like PSIB negatively affect Indigenous communities.
“It’s unacceptable that so much funding was awarded without proper safeguards to ensure the businesses were eligible. This highlights the deep systemic biases in our procurement processes.”
Blaney stated that she and the NDP will continue their focus on ensuring transparency and accountability in policies regarding Indigenous procurement.
“This has been an ongoing issue for years,” stated Blaney. “Indigenous groups have repeatedly told the government that there is a huge problem with the PSIB, but Liberal and Conservative governments have refused to take any action to fix the situation. While I’m sad to be leaving seniors and rural economic development, I’m grateful that Jagmeet Singh has asked me to bring my experience and leadership to this file and I know my colleague will do an outstanding job advocating for seniors.”
In addition to her new responsibilities, Blaney will continue serving as the NDP critic for veterans affairs. Port Moody–Coquitlam MP Bonita Zarrillo has been appointed the NDP critic for seniors.
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