Audits assess procurement spending frameworks in three school districts

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Print resolution (300 dpi) DON CRAIG photographyArticle contentVICTORIA, British Columbia, June 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Findings were mixed after B.C.’s auditor general looked at how three school districts source millions of dollars worth of goods and services each year and whether they lived up to the principles of fair and open procurement.

Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentIn 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.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.

Article contentArticle contentEach district’s framework was compared to the good-practice principles set out in the Province of B.C.’s Core Policy and Procedures Manual (CPPM).

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Browse here.Article contentThe Coquitlam school district implemented a procurement framework that reflected the spirit and intent of the province’s procurement principles.Article contentThe Abbotsford and Saanich school districts also incorporated elements of those principles.

However, the audits found gaps and inconsistencies that meant the districts’ procurement policies and practices did not reflect the spirit and intent of the CPPM.Article content“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,” Auditor General Bridget Parrish said.Article contentThe audits looked at how the districts planned for procurement, how they solicited vendors, evaluated proposals, and managed contracts.

Selected procurements were reviewed to see how policies were put into practice.Article contentB.C.’

s 60 school districts spent about $800 million on computer equipment, classroom and office supplies, fuel, food and other items in the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2025.Article contentArticle content“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 said.Article contentNicholas Johnson, Communications Director Office of the Auditor General njohnson@bcauditor.

com250-419-6117Article contentA photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5c8717f4-ae2a-4071-9f20-8bd951302bf5Article contentA video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.

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