Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA)
The Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement between the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia came into effect on April 1, 2007. TILMA works to create a more even playing field for purchasers and vendors and promotes:
Non-Discrimination
The agreement does not allow preferential or discriminatory treatment of a province’s businesses, goods and services. For example, a government entity buying goods or services cannot require technical specifications that either favour or work against specific companies, and bids cannot favour suppliers based upon their location (e.g. giving unfair advantage to local suppliers).
No Obstacles
Government entities may not create obstacles or hinder trade.
Fair, Open and Competitive Procurement Practices
Solicitation documents must clearly state what is required, show how the bids will be evaluated and provide relevant information that helps businesses complete and submit their bids.
If there is an existing contract for the provision of goods, services or construction, there can be no extension, price change or subsequent purchase unless the intention to do so was clearly stated in the original solicitation (tender) document.
The TILMA website (external site) provides lots of information on the agreement, including an overview of some common misconceptions (external site) regarding the TILMA, and an update on the expansion of the TILMA to the MASH sector (external site).
