An important focus of this initiative is to improve our procurement management by providing professional support to our departments and professional services to the public. Training, development and the implementation of best practices will continue to be important as we realize the full benefits of this initiative.
The centre has already provided training to more than 630 government employees, has established a quality assurance function and has gone through Fairness Commissioner training. The centre also focuses on providing training and workshop opportunities to the business community.
Workshops have been delivered in the communities of Inuvik, Hay River and Yellowknife on “How to do Business with the GNWT” with 46 representatives from local businesses having attended. The centre also sponsored a very successful proposal writing workshop in collaboration with the Supply Chain Management Association of the Northwest Territories and continues to work with the association as well as local chambers of commerce, to explore ways to further improve how the business community can access government contracting opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, procurement shared services is another step in making our government more effective and efficient while decentralizing government positions and ensuring socially responsible economic development, all priorities of the 17th Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr.
Speaker.