Federal procurement watchdog finds risk of ‘bait and switch’ in government contracts
The procurement ombud’s latest report on the ‘bait-and-switch’ practice notes that the tactic is being ‘effectively eliminated’ due to the changes made by the federal government.
Feds’ new industrial strategy falls short on ambition, needs clearer objectives for defence procurement, say experts
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly unveiled a new three-pillar industrial strategy on Oct. 9 aimed at protecting Canadian industries, creating jobs, and attracting global investment. ‘I don’t think there’s anything new here,’ says former DND ADM Alan Williams.
Canada has not spoken to South Koreans about building new submarines at home, says embassy
The South Korean bidder says it ‘refrained’ from proposing domestic construction of Canada’s new submarine fleet after feedback from Canadian officials. Meanwhile, its German competitor has signalled ‘mutual interest’ in building future vessels in Canada.
Canada’s submarine purchase has new ‘sense of urgency’ with possible selection by end of year, says German envoy
The clock is ticking to replace the aging Victoria-class submarines before they are taken out of the water in the 2030s, leaving the Canadian Navy without a submarine capability.
Delayed F-35 review ‘not slowing anything down,’ says SecState for defence procurement Fuhr
‘The most important thing is making the right choice, not meeting an arbitrary timeline,’ says Stephen Fuhr of the ongoing review of the controversial fighter jet purchase.
For drones, do like the Nordics and the Brits
Their countries offer both markets and lessons for Canadian defence procurement, and their companies produce advanced drone and counter-drones systems that could be incorporated into our arsenal.
MPs settle in for spicy sitting as Government Operations and Estimates Committee prepares to turn up the heat on government
The committee has long served as a stage for high-stakes political showdowns, the study of scathing watchdog reports, and long-term probes that test government accountability.
Canada taking ‘necessary’ steps to tap into European defence market with new security pacts amid U.S. tensions: observers
The newly signed pacts signal to Europe that Canada is serious in its efforts to shift some of its focus away from the American supply chain, says Christian Leuprecht.
‘Devil in the details’: feds move to combine procurement regulations in a bid to cut red tape
The government’s goal of reducing complaints to the Canadian International Trade Tribunal might signal a further limitation of suppliers’ access to the dispute mechanism, experts agree.
Define ‘Canadian’: questions loom over Carney’s ‘protectionist’ procurement policy push
‘It’s the equivalent of shooting yourself in the foot. But it’s popular politically,’ says financial policy expert Ian Lee of the prime minister’s move tapping into nationalist sentiment.
