VICTORIA, British Columbia — Findings were mixed after B.C.’s auditor general examined how three school districts handle procurement of goods and services worth millions of dollars annually, assessing compliance with fair and open procurement principles.
Audit of Procurement Frameworks
In a report to the Legislative Assembly, the Office of the Auditor General focused on the procurement frameworks, including policies and practices, in the Abbotsford, Coquitlam, and Saanich school districts. Each district’s framework was compared to the good-practice principles outlined in the Province of B.C.’s Core Policy and Procedures Manual (CPPM).
Mixed Results Across Districts
The Coquitlam school district implemented a procurement framework that reflected the spirit and intent of the province’s procurement principles. In contrast, the Abbotsford and Saanich school districts incorporated elements of those principles but had gaps and inconsistencies, meaning their procurement policies and practices did not fully align with the CPPM.
“An effective procurement framework is important because it helps ensure contracts are awarded fairly, it mitigates the risks of fraud, and it helps government get the best value for its money,” said Auditor General Bridget Parrish.
Scope of the Audits
The audits examined how the districts planned for procurement, solicited vendors, evaluated proposals, and managed contracts. Selected procurements were reviewed to assess how policies were put into practice.
B.C.’s 60 school districts spent approximately $800 million on computer equipment, classroom and office supplies, fuel, food, and other items in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
“My team will continue to plan audits of procurement processes across the public sector, because inconsistency in practice can result in increased legal, financial, operational, and reputational risks,” Parrish added.
For more information, contact Nicholas Johnson, Communications Director, Office of the Auditor General, at njohnson@bcauditor.com or 250-419-6117.
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