Background

Northern based firms have always been concerned when southern, 'Vancouver' based firms are awarded contracts and subsequently fly into our area to complete work. There has been some concern that when southern based specialist consultants are hired for work in the North, they in turn hire southern based contractors or sub-consultants' to work with them.

Policy/Objective

In an effort to support Northern based firms and ensure that said firms are not discriminated against by 'Southern' consultants due to their location, a policy has been implemented wherein if consultant services are required, professional firms will be considered, based on their qualifications rather than on the location of their firm and further that any Consultant hired by the Regional District will be encouraged to use professional firms that are based in the North.

Implementation

All Department Heads and Council/Board members are aware of the above policy and are to ensure its' application when dealing with the award of contract or consultant's work.