Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
Service NL
November 30, 2016
Building a Stronger Economy
Provincial Government and St. John’s Board of Trade Host Reverse Trade Show
The Provincial Government, in cooperation with the St. John’s Board of Trade, is hosting the Meet the Buyers Reverse Trade Show in St. John’s today. The trade show serves as a forum for businesses to gain a better understanding about the purchasing requirements of the public sector.
“Our province is delighted to host this year’s Meet the Buyers Reverse Trade Show; a unique event that brings together a wide range of potential and existing suppliers, manufacturers, consultants and contractors to learn more about public sector procurement in Atlantic Canada. As a government we want to continue equipping businesses throughout the province with the necessary information to navigate the procurement process, as well as ensure that our public sector has the quality goods and services that it requires.”
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
The Meet the Buyers Reverse Trade Show also provides public sector buyers with the opportunity to gain greater insights into the depth of products and services available in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to working with industry to find ways to improve the procurement process, as reflected in the new public procurement framework that was recently introduced in the House of Assembly. The Reverse Trade Show is an innovative opportunity that gives suppliers a venue to share ideas and open a dialogue that will allow government to further achieve best value, transparency and accountability in procurement.”
- The Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister Responsible for the Government Purchasing Agency
Over 150 business representatives are registered for this year’s event, with approximately 20 exhibitors representing all levels of the public sector. These include Crown corporations, line departments, provincial municipalities, academic institutions, school boards and health care, as well as other governments in Atlantic Canada and the Federal Government.
“We are pleased to partner with the province for the Meet the Buyers Reverse Trade Show. This event provides the opportunity for our members to connect with key contacts in all levels of government to understand how they can offer the best service for the best value. The Provincial Government’s procurement and capital spending was $4 billion in 2014. There is tremendous opportunity for the private sector to partner with all levels of government and ultimately save taxpayers money.”
- Des Whelan, Chair, St. John’s Board of Trade
The Provincial Government is currently in the process of modernizing public procurement in Newfoundland and Labrador. Through the establishment of a new statutory framework, this province will better align with other jurisdictions, as well as with domestic and international trade obligations.
“The three levels of government in Canada are huge purchasers of goods and services. Events such as the Meet the Buyers Reverse Trade Show are important to help develop local supply chains by helping connect local suppliers to the key buyers within governments.”
- David Haire, Vice President of Best Practices and Lean Management, Atlantic Region for the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
Introducing a new Public Procurement Act is one of the more than 50 initiatives included in the The Way Forward: A Vision for Sustainability and Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador, available online at www.gov.nl.ca/pdf/the_way_forward.pdf 
. The vision guides Provincial Government actions to achieve greater efficiency, strengthen the province’s economic foundation, enhance services, and improve outcomes to promote a healthy and prosperous province.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government and the St. John’s Board of Trade are hosting the Meet the Buyers Reverse Trade Show in St. John’s today at the Holiday Inn on Portugal Road in St. John’s and runs from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- The Meet the Buyers Reverse Trade Show is hosted on a rotating basis throughout the four Atlantic Provinces.
- The trade show includes some 20 exhibitors representing all levels of the public sector, with over 150 business representatives registered.
- The Meet the Buyers Reverse Trade Show provides the opportunity for potential and existing suppliers, manufacturers, consultants and contractors to interact with public sector buyers.
- A recent Atlantic Provinces Economic Council study noted that Newfoundland and Labrador engages in $4 billion in procurement and capital spending each year.
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Media contacts:
| Eric Humber Media Relations Manager Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4819, 725-9655 erichumber@gov.nl.ca |
Gina MacArthur Media Relations Manager Service NL 709-729-4748, 730-2977 ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca |
| Meghan Drover Communications & Advocacy Specialist St. John’s Board of Trade 709-749-6706 mdrover@bot.nf.ca |
2016 11 30 11:15 a.m.