Saskatoon’s City Council has approved a motion to have the City Auditor look at the possibility of joining a group purchasing program to save money. Councillor Randy Donauer made the motion, explaining that he approached Administration years ago about utilizing SUMA’s group purchasing program, but at that time, it was just in its beginnings.
Now, SUMA has part ownership of Kinetic GPO, a nation-wide program whose members include the City of Toronto, the Province of Manitoba, the Canadian Navy, and several other provinces and universities.

Mayor Charlie Clark stated that considering the work they are doing to find savings for the budget to balance, this program could be a benefit when they are doing purchasing in the future. Councillor Bev Dubois also commented that as a member of the SUMA board, she has heard from other municipalities and corporations that they have benefited from this program. She supports the motion and hopes it could affect the budget for savings down the road.

The Auditor will report back on this possible opportunity for savings and as well, whether it could be implemented either this year or in the upcoming year to help bring the budget closer to balance.