HALIFAX – The Nova Scotia government has awarded a $2.18 million contract to a consulting firm without a competitive bidding process. The contract, given to Davis Pier, aims to enhance the province's homecare services. Barbara Adams, the minister of seniors and long-term care, announced the decision on Thursday, stating that the firm will assist in improving the homecare system.

Adams explained that the government opted not to issue a call for bids to expedite the process. She noted that Davis Pier is "very familiar" with the homecare landscape in Nova Scotia. The firm will focus on identifying areas for improvement within the homecare network, particularly in relation to a new technology platform.

The minister expressed concerns about the high number of canceled homecare visits, emphasizing the need for more efficient systems. "We hope Davis Pier will help us take home care to the next level by helping us work with our systems and improve them," Adams said.

The decision to award the contract without competition has drawn criticism. Reports from the provincial auditor general have highlighted concerns regarding the government's practice of issuing untendered contracts. Auditor General Kim Adair reported in February that since 2019, the government has awarded $2.4 billion in contracts without a competitive bidding process.

The Department of Seniors and Long Term Care did not respond to inquiries about the rationale behind the untendered contract. The government continues to face scrutiny over its spending practices, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges within the homecare sector.