Recently Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced that the federal government will stick with its two-year economic stimulus strategy but won’t be enhancing it with any new spending programs in the 2010 budget.

In the housing sector, many providers are scrambling to use Social Housing Renovation and Retrofit Program funding before it disappears. In the mad rush to put together plans, follow guidelines and implement projects, there’s been some confusion on the correct processes and controls for spending the money. We’ve heard this in calls to the new SHSC Customer Care line — particularly around procurement and purchasing. For vendors and service providers, this isn’t an issue. They’re focused on moving product. But for you, it will make a difference — since you’re accountable for the spending decisions you make.

Here are a few things to consider so you can avoid your own personal eHealth scandal:

• Are you following the approved practices in force in your municipality?
• Are you doing public competitive procurement?
• If you’re using a bulk purchaser, are they following SHRRP purchasing rules?

You can also check out the SHRRP-compliant SHSC Appliance Bulk Buy program.