Consumer Protection for Public Institutions When Purchasing Software

Whereas public institutions are placed in a position of financial and contractual vulnerability when purchasing and maintaining needed software applications; And whereas the speed of major upgrades, final software obsolescence, and industry mergers and acquisitions are occurring at a rate beyond the financially responsible capacity of public institutions to respond: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to work with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, andor other appropriate bodies such as the Office of Consumer Affairs, to develop standard public institution consumer protection regulations when purchasing software applications and maintenance packages.