Whereas local governments support local fire services with equipment and apparatus to support fire, road rescue and first responder services, and there are limited opportunities for grants to support these large capital expenditures; And whereas the provincial government as representatives for local government could leverage savings in purchasing emergency equipment in bulk to supply at a reduced cost to communities: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to provide opportunities for local governments to purchase emergency equipment through the Provincial Procurement Services Branch in order to reduce the cost of this equipment for local governments.
Ministry of Citizens Services Procurement Services Branch staff welcome the opportunity to explore this request further with local governments and appropriate stakeholders to understand the needs of the various communities, understand the current processes, budgets and frequency of purchases so that the team can propose a solution.