b'PROCUREMENTMoving the Procurement NeedleBy Andrew Brooks & Matthew BradfordP r o c u r e m e n t f r o m I n d i g e n o u s - o w n e d b u s i n e s s e s i s nt a n y w h e r e n e a r w h e r e i t s h o u l d b eC C A B i s w o r k i n g t o c h a n g e t h a t T he participation of Indigenous- put this into perspective, the GovernmentsaysJPGladu,presidentandCEO owned businesses in the Canadianof Canada is one of the largest publicof CCAB. governmentssupplychainisbuyers of goods and services in Canada, about more than economic recon- purchasing approximately $14$22 billionIts no question that Aboriginal busi-ciliation; it simply makes sense.annually. Based on averages since thenesses are primed and eager to earn Based on CCABs last count, Canada is1996 Procurement Strategy for Aboriginala greater share of the federal govern-home to more than 50,000 AboriginalBusiness (PSAB), the federal govern- ments spend, and also in part why CCAB businesses, and the combined incomements annual spend with Aboriginal busi- created a national Aboriginal procurement of Aboriginal businesses, householdsnesses currently remains less than onestrategy, called Supply Change. Launched and governments sits at an impressivepercent (approx. $63 million). That small $31 billion.amount isnt adding to the prosperity ofin 2018, Supply Change aims to improve Indigenous communities or the idea ofand facilitate procurement opportunities Yet the Aboriginal share of the govern- economic reconciliation, and its certainlyfor Aboriginal businesses as a meaningful ments total procurement spend remainsnot contributing to the concept of self- advance of Indigenous participation in lowless than one per cent annually. Toempowerment through the economy,the economy. Numerous meetings and 14A CCAB PUBLICATION2019'