By Dave Stewart, The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board and Stephanie Ryynanen, Lakehead District School Board
As public procurement continues to navigate the post Covid world, we are faced with more challenges than ever before. Between an ever-changing political landscape that shapes government policy reactions, to the rise of AI, nothing is stable, but rather fluid. Public procurement specialists are navigating a journey with yesterday’s roadmap that is no longer relevant.
Another change is the increased use of Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs). These organizations have allowed public procurement to utilize their contracts and resources to make better use of valuable buying power. In the process of moving contracts over to GPOs, local co-ops/consortiums are struggling to remain relevant and are in need of a refresh.
The Lakehead Purchasing Consortium (LPC) was created in 1996, bringing together government procurement specialists in the Thunder Bay area to work together and pool buying power on selected commodities and services as well as to create a forum to discuss local procurement issues. As Covid forced organizations and meetings on-line, the co-op concept was weakened and struggled to keep its relevance.
With an idea coming from a few LPC members to change that thinking and with the help of the OPBA providing a blueprint, the LPC Education Day was created. Bringing together a diverse group of presenters (some who travelled from outside the city) including legal professionals (Construct Legal), women entrepreneurs (PARO Group), Indigenous companies (Superior Strategies), this day has been a huge success.
The LPC Education Day promoted in person collaboration, exchange of ideas, face-to-face discussions and training, something that has been lacking since the pandemic. Attendance and participation, which is key to a gathering such as this, exceeded expectations. It gave everyone a forum to ask questions and hear relevant responses and have meaningful discussions on challenges each organization is facing. The uniqueness of the LPC is that not all members are strictly procurement professionals, but rather have multiple roles in their organizations, so this day was structured to help all. The strong support we received from upper management was also key in driving this day forward.
While GPO’s will always be an important tool, local co-ops still have a place in this new world order and can thrive. Recognizing Thunder Bay is geographically unique, we do face similar challenges to our neighbours in the GTA. The co-operation and collaboration of organizations who willingly speak to our members, along with the support and framework the OPBA has provided the LPC, has only made our co-op experience more valuable. We just recently completed our 3rd annual Education Day with plans underway already for a fourth.
Although the path ahead is often uncertain in the continuously changing procurement world, local co-ops continue to play an important role. We will strive to embrace this new era, and work together to ensure continued success and growth within our community.