‘Very few truly understand how it currently works’: procurement watchdog puts defence contracting under microscope
The Office of the Procurement Ombud is putting together a research study on defence procurement, with early outreach suggesting the new Defence Investment Agency marked a significant change in what people see as a confusing landscape.
Interpreter dilemma: pushback continues against changes to federal exam, freelance contract terms
As of last March, 84 freelance interpreters were covering Parliament Hill. Only 37 such bids were received by the first deadline for submissions under its new standing offer.
‘Disgraceful and indefensible’: feds’ failure to release new Defence Industrial Strategy by deadline sparks backlash
‘I can’t understand why a government can’t get down to business and operate rigorously,’ says Alan Williams, a former assistant deputy minister of materiel at National Defence.
PSPC failed to meet key economic, environmental, and social procurement targets last fiscal year, departmental data shows
The department met its 80-per-cent target in two indicators measuring suppliers’ access to procurements and the fairness and transparency of the process, but fell short on goals for Indigenous, women-owned, and green contracts.
Feds should ‘sharpen’ definition of Canadian to ensure new ‘Buy Canadian’ procurement policy works, says industry
‘There is a real difference between operating here and actually anchoring value here, and policy should reflect that,’ says Daniel Perry, director of federal affairs at the Council of Canadian Innovators.
Champagne says CRA is taking a ‘step in the right direction’ after 100-day plan shows improvements
Officials from the Canada Revenue agency say that while call wait times have improved, the agency will never be able to answer 100 per cent of the calls it receives.
Reloading Canada’s procurement weapon to accelerate innovation, diversification, and resilience
To survive U.S. trade volatility and escape its low-productivity trap, Ottawa must stop forcing agile Canadian innovators into the rigid moulds of incumbents.
Feds removed 643 more companies from its Indigenous business directory this year
The database that allows firms to access set-aside federal procurement opportunities ‘cannot be trusted … until it is fully certified by an Indigenous group,’ says Shannin Metatawabin, CEO of the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association.
Building up Canada’s defence sector will depend on long-term homegrown support
The promised defence industrial strategy offers a significant opportunity to advance Canada’s innovation performance and the high-value jobs that should go with it. The biggest question is how we build the leadership and management skills that are essential for success.
Early retirement pitch to nearly 70,000 public servants outlines 120-day deadline to apply
Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada president Sean O’Reilly says he’s worried the incentive will lead to a ‘mass exodus’ of skilled government workers.
