The provincial government of Saskatchewan has announced that more than 94 percent of its procurement contracts in the 2025-26 fiscal year were awarded to companies based within the province. This marks a significant achievement in the government's ongoing efforts to support local businesses and stimulate the regional economy.
Procurement Figures and Local Impact
During the 2025-26 fiscal year, the province awarded 490 procurement contracts with a total value of $741 million. Of this amount, $698 million was directed to Saskatchewan-based companies, according to a news release issued on Monday. The government emphasized its commitment to a fair, transparent, and competitive procurement process that delivers value for taxpayers while bolstering local enterprises.
Sean Wilson, Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement, stated, "When local businesses understand how procurement works and where opportunities exist, it leads to stronger local companies, good jobs for Saskatchewan people, and value for taxpayers."
Background and Policy Changes
The figures come in the wake of a temporary policy implemented in March 2025 that favored goods and services from within Saskatchewan or Canada. This policy was introduced as a countermeasure to U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, aiming to reduce dependence on American trade. However, just over three months later, the province announced a return to standard procurement processes and documentation.
Last spring, the ministry reported that nearly 90 percent of all procurements over the previous five years had gone to Saskatchewan companies, with 99 percent to Canadian businesses and less than one percent to U.S. companies. However, the NDP Opposition challenged these claims, citing a freedom of information request that showed only 51 percent of those contracts went to companies actually headquartered in Saskatchewan. Aleana Young, Opposition critic for jobs and the economy, argued, "You can't call a company 'Saskatchewan-based' just because they have a local mailing address."
Supporting Local Suppliers and Indigenous Businesses
Monday's statement highlighted the role of Priority Saskatchewan and Stakeholder Relations, a branch within SaskBuilds created in 2014. Its purpose is to share information with businesses and encourage their participation in government tenders. Wilson noted, "The program is modernizing how we connect Saskatchewan suppliers with government opportunities, helping local businesses compete, grow, and contribute to communities across the province."
The release also noted that the Crown sector awarded $1.5 billion in goods and services procurement in 2025-26, with $152 million (7.1 percent) going to Indigenous suppliers. This represents an increase of over $26 million from the previous year. The government emphasized that every contract awarded locally can help a business grow, hire, innovate, or reinvest in the province.
Overall, the Saskatchewan government's focus on local procurement aims to strengthen the provincial economy and create sustainable job opportunities for residents.
