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Following Premier David Eby’s instructions to prioritize Canadian suppliers, British Columbia Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) was found to be seeking bids for a significant order of Yeti water bottles, which are manufactured by an American company based in Texas. Reports indicate that BCEHS had posted an invitation to quote (ITQ) on the BC Bid website, specifically aiming to purchase 5,000 Yeti bottles.
These water bottles, known for their high price point, can reach up to $80 each, depending on the selected size. The bid for these products raised questions regarding Eby’s recent guidelines aimed at minimizing dealings with U.S. suppliers.
“I’m sending directions to Crown corporations, to the heads of government, to do a few things,” Eby stated on April 10, emphasizing the need for government agencies to review and potentially terminate contracts with American firms. This directive aims to encourage a shift towards sourcing from Canadian suppliers.
When asked for comment regarding the Yeti bid, Eby acknowledged he was not aware of the specifics. However, shortly after his inquiry, the bid was retracted from open listings and marked as “cancelled.” The Provincial Health Services Authority later clarified that the bid was paused to reassess its alignment with provincial priorities, stating, “Provincial Health Service Authority Supply Chain has decided to pause the bid.”
The authority further recognized that the use of Canadian re-sellers for American products may contradict the B.C. government’s broader procurement objectives. Conservative Leader John Rustad supported the Premier’s initiative, stating, “So when I look at all procurement, I think we should be having a B.C. or Canada first approach. I think that’s a good thing to do.”
The intention behind acquiring the Yeti water bottles stemmed from the needs of paramedics, who have received similar supplies since the extreme heat events of 2021. Moving forward, the Provincial Health Services Authority expressed its commitment to repost the bid while ensuring compliance with the provincial directives.
Source
globalnews.ca