Evidence of value for money often missing from the Yukon government’s procurement and contracting activities

Whitehorse, 26 November 2024—A report from the Office of the Auditor General of Canada presented today in the Yukon Legislative Assembly by Senior Principal Normand Lanthier concluded that the Yukon government’s procurement and contracting activities did not demonstrate value for money because they were not always documented or monitored for results.

Between 2019 and 2023, approximately 47,000 contracts with a total value of over $1.2 billion were issued across the 16 Yukon government organizations. The audit examined a representative sample of 53 contracts across all organizations and an additional 10 contracts valued at $250,000 or more.

Prioritizing a competitive environment creates opportunities and drives competitive pricing. The audit found that this environment was not created in 27 of the 53 contracts. In addition, in a number of cases, work was started before a contract was signed.

The Department of Highways and Public Works provides advice to departments engaging in procurement activities. The audit found that advice was ignored in more than a third of almost 300 consultations, and that there was no mechanism to allow the department to analyze outcomes or report on instances where its advice was not followed. This impairs the transparency of contracting in the territory.

“Ultimately, the Government of Yukon has committed to key principles of transparency and accountability as part of its procurement policy,” said Mr. Lanthier. “These principles are sound but have yet to be used to achieve fairness and a stronger economic future for local businesses and
Yukon First Nations.”