[FREDERICTON, NB] — The New Brunswick government has introduced a bill that would allow the government to give greater preference to provincial companies when it buys goods and services.
Service New Brunswick Minister Craig Leonard says the proposed legislation would allow the government to award contracts to New Brunswick firms even if they aren't the lowest bidder.
He says interprovincial trade agreements don't cover all products, so there are some areas where New Brunswick firms can be given a preference.
Leonard says other provinces have already updated their legislation, and the changes would bring the New Brunswick in line with trade agreements that are in place.
Liberal Leader Victor Boudreau says 90 per cent of New Brunswick goods are exported, and he worries the legislation could prompt other provinces to put up walls to those goods.
But Leonard says the final legislation will find a balance that puts New Brunswick companies on a level playing field with competitors in other provinces.
