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Wednesday, February 4, 2026

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Irem Koca

Irem Koca is a Turkish-Canadian journalist who joined The Hill Times in late 2023. She got her start in Canadian media in the Toronto Star's Ottawa bureau, covering federal politics and national stories under the paper's year-long fellowship. With a background in broadcast journalism, she spent several years as a world news reporter at CNN Turkey. Her freelance work on Turkish politics has been featured in The New York Times and Reuters. Notable highlights of her career include coverage of the 2020 U.S. presidential elections under a Reporting Tour fellowship awarded by the U.S. State Department, and her coverage of the Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan in 2019. Koca holds a master's degree in religious extremism from Queen's University, along with a journalism degree from Istanbul Bilgi University and Kingston University, London. She is fluent in English and Turkish.

Industrial benefits policy needs a ‘relook,’ says ex-senior public servant, as Conservative MP pushes for contract records

  • 'There has to be better alignment between the ITB policy and the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces,' says former public servant Clem Srour.
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 31, 2026
Conservative MP Adam Chambers, left, and Industry Minister Mélanie Joly. Joly’s response to Chambers’ question reveals some contract records report the value of business activity in Canada at zero dollars. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Industrial benefits policy needs a ‘relook,’ says ex-senior public servant, as Conservative MP pushes for contract records

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 31, 2026
  • 'There has to be better alignment between the ITB policy and the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces,' says former public servant Clem Srour.

Industrial benefits policy needs a ‘relook,’ says ex-senior public servant, as Conservative MP pushes for contract records

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 31, 2026
  • 'There has to be better alignment between the ITB policy and the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces,' says former public servant Clem Srour.
Conservative MP Adam Chambers, left, and Industry Minister Mélanie Joly. Joly’s response to Chambers’ question reveals some contract records report the value of business activity in Canada at zero dollars. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade

Lack of pre-sitting cabinet shuffle doesn’t take it off the table for the winter, say political strategists

  • Although a cabinet shuffle isn't in the cards before the House resumes after winter break, it could still be a possibility as byelections create
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 23, 2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney gathered his front bench for a cabinet retreat in Quebec City to discuss progress on their priorities before returning to the House on Jan. 26. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Lack of pre-sitting cabinet shuffle doesn’t take it off the table for the winter, say political strategists

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 23, 2026
  • Although a cabinet shuffle isn't in the cards before the House resumes after winter break, it could still be a possibility as byelections create

Lack of pre-sitting cabinet shuffle doesn’t take it off the table for the winter, say political strategists

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 23, 2026
  • Although a cabinet shuffle isn't in the cards before the House resumes after winter break, it could still be a possibility as byelections create
Prime Minister Mark Carney gathered his front bench for a cabinet retreat in Quebec City to discuss progress on their priorities before returning to the House on Jan. 26. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Public service job cuts will be ‘minimal’ in procurement and contracting roles, says PSPC

  • Public Services and Procurement cuts would add a layer of 'uncertainty' to the already murky field federal contracting, but could also open up opportunities
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 23, 2026
Public Services and Procurement Canada, led by Minister Joël Lightbound, has reportedly issued nearly 980 workforce adjustment notices as part of the government-wide job cuts. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Public service job cuts will be ‘minimal’ in procurement and contracting roles, says PSPC

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 23, 2026
  • Public Services and Procurement cuts would add a layer of 'uncertainty' to the already murky field federal contracting, but could also open up opportunities

Public service job cuts will be ‘minimal’ in procurement and contracting roles, says PSPC

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 23, 2026
  • Public Services and Procurement cuts would add a layer of 'uncertainty' to the already murky field federal contracting, but could also open up opportunities
Public Services and Procurement Canada, led by Minister Joël Lightbound, has reportedly issued nearly 980 workforce adjustment notices as part of the government-wide job cuts. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘We ask the government not to send us back to the ruins’: Turkish earthquake survivors call on feds to ease path to permanent residency

  • IRCC says the measures that allowed 2023 earthquake survivors to stay in Canada were intended to be temporary, but many of those from hometowns
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 22, 2026
Lena Diab
Lena Diab
Turkish earthquake survivors in Canada are looking to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, led by Minister Lena Diab, pictured, to establish a fair pathway to permanent residency, says a community group representative The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘We ask the government not to send us back to the ruins’: Turkish earthquake survivors call on feds to ease path to permanent residency

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 22, 2026
  • IRCC says the measures that allowed 2023 earthquake survivors to stay in Canada were intended to be temporary, but many of those from hometowns

‘We ask the government not to send us back to the ruins’: Turkish earthquake survivors call on feds to ease path to permanent residency

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 22, 2026
  • IRCC says the measures that allowed 2023 earthquake survivors to stay in Canada were intended to be temporary, but many of those from hometowns
Lena Diab
Turkish earthquake survivors in Canada are looking to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, led by Minister Lena Diab, pictured, to establish a fair pathway to permanent residency, says a community group representative The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘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
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 16, 2026
Alexander Jeglic
Alexander Jeglic
Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic's work plan for 2026 also includes publishing his review of the government's Indigenous procurement activities, and keeping an eye on the feds' Buy Canadian plans. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Very few truly understand how it currently works’: procurement watchdog puts defence contracting under microscope

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 16, 2026
  • The Office of the Procurement Ombud is putting together a research study on defence procurement, with early outreach suggesting the new Defence Investment Agency

‘Very few truly understand how it currently works’: procurement watchdog puts defence contracting under microscope

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 16, 2026
  • The Office of the Procurement Ombud is putting together a research study on defence procurement, with early outreach suggesting the new Defence Investment Agency
Alexander Jeglic
Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic's work plan for 2026 also includes publishing his review of the government's Indigenous procurement activities, and keeping an eye on the feds' Buy Canadian plans. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘A grain of salt’: unmasking Liberal floor-crossing talks carries potential risk for opposition MPs, say politicos 

  • Although these kinds of revelations never tell the whole story, MPs are demonstrating they are open to being approached. But it also puts pressure
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 12, 2026
NDP MP Lori Idlout, left, and Conservative MP Scott Anderson have both recently said they have been approached by Liberals to join the party, but that they have refused. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade and courtesy of Facebook

‘A grain of salt’: unmasking Liberal floor-crossing talks carries potential risk for opposition MPs, say politicos 

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 12, 2026
  • Although these kinds of revelations never tell the whole story, MPs are demonstrating they are open to being approached. But it also puts pressure

‘A grain of salt’: unmasking Liberal floor-crossing talks carries potential risk for opposition MPs, say politicos 

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 12, 2026
  • Although these kinds of revelations never tell the whole story, MPs are demonstrating they are open to being approached. But it also puts pressure
NDP MP Lori Idlout, left, and Conservative MP Scott Anderson have both recently said they have been approached by Liberals to join the party, but that they have refused. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade and courtesy of Facebook

‘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
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 8, 2026
Defence Minister David McGuinty said last fall that the first Defence Industrial Strategy would be released before Christmas, but the government has failed to meet its own deadline. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Disgraceful and indefensible’: feds’ failure to release new Defence Industrial Strategy by deadline sparks backlash

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 8, 2026
  • '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

‘Disgraceful and indefensible’: feds’ failure to release new Defence Industrial Strategy by deadline sparks backlash

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 8, 2026
  • '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
Defence Minister David McGuinty said last fall that the first Defence Industrial Strategy would be released before Christmas, but the government has failed to meet its own deadline. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

A ‘laser-focused’ Carney and ‘embattled’ Poilievre share contrasting messages in year-end interviews

  • When asked by the CBC about the floor-crossing Conservatives, Leader Pierre Poilievre framed the issue as 'a problem of [Mark] Carney’s leadership,' accusing the
News | BY IREM KOCA | December 31, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre reflect on the past year and offer a look-ahead for 2026 in their multiple year-end interviews.

A ‘laser-focused’ Carney and ‘embattled’ Poilievre share contrasting messages in year-end interviews

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 31, 2025
  • When asked by the CBC about the floor-crossing Conservatives, Leader Pierre Poilievre framed the issue as 'a problem of [Mark] Carney’s leadership,' accusing the

A ‘laser-focused’ Carney and ‘embattled’ Poilievre share contrasting messages in year-end interviews

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 31, 2025
  • When asked by the CBC about the floor-crossing Conservatives, Leader Pierre Poilievre framed the issue as 'a problem of [Mark] Carney’s leadership,' accusing the
Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre reflect on the past year and offer a look-ahead for 2026 in their multiple year-end interviews.

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
News | BY IREM KOCA | December 27, 2025
Public Services and Procurement Canada, led by Minister Joël Lightbound, awarded contracts that were worth a total value of $7.4-billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

PSPC failed to meet key economic, environmental, and social procurement targets last fiscal year, departmental data shows

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 27, 2025
  • 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

PSPC failed to meet key economic, environmental, and social procurement targets last fiscal year, departmental data shows

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 27, 2025
  • 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
Public Services and Procurement Canada, led by Minister Joël Lightbound, awarded contracts that were worth a total value of $7.4-billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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
News | BY IREM KOCA | December 23, 2025
Government Transformation, Public Works, and Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound announced the latest steps under the Buy Canadian Policy for federal procurement on Dec. 16. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Feds should ‘sharpen’ definition of Canadian to ensure new ‘Buy Canadian’ procurement policy works, says industry

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 23, 2025
  • 'There is a real difference between operating here and actually anchoring value here, and policy should reflect that,' says Daniel Perry, director of federal

Feds should ‘sharpen’ definition of Canadian to ensure new ‘Buy Canadian’ procurement policy works, says industry

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 23, 2025
  • 'There is a real difference between operating here and actually anchoring value here, and policy should reflect that,' says Daniel Perry, director of federal
Government Transformation, Public Works, and Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound announced the latest steps under the Buy Canadian Policy for federal procurement on Dec. 16. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Feds push ahead with ‘transformative’ $60-billion to $90-billion high-speed rail project as experts urge caution over major cost over-runs, land acquisition powers

  • The railway will eventually span approximately 1,000 kilometres from Toronto to Quebec City. It will reach speeds of up to 300 km/hour, cutting travel
News | BY IREM KOCA | December 15, 2025
Steven MacKinnon
Steven MacKinnon
Transport Minister Steven Mackinnon announced on Dec.12 that the first phase of Canada’s planned high-speed rail network project will run between Ottawa–Montreal corridor.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Feds push ahead with ‘transformative’ $60-billion to $90-billion high-speed rail project as experts urge caution over major cost over-runs, land acquisition powers

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 15, 2025
  • The railway will eventually span approximately 1,000 kilometres from Toronto to Quebec City. It will reach speeds of up to 300 km/hour, cutting travel

Feds push ahead with ‘transformative’ $60-billion to $90-billion high-speed rail project as experts urge caution over major cost over-runs, land acquisition powers

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 15, 2025
  • The railway will eventually span approximately 1,000 kilometres from Toronto to Quebec City. It will reach speeds of up to 300 km/hour, cutting travel
Steven MacKinnon
Transport Minister Steven Mackinnon announced on Dec.12 that the first phase of Canada’s planned high-speed rail network project will run between Ottawa–Montreal corridor.  The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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,'
News | BY IREM KOCA | December 8, 2025
Mandy Gull-Masty
Mandy Gull-Masty
Indigenous Services Canada, which is led by Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, removed hundreds of companies from its Indigenous Business Directory in 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Feds removed 643 more companies from its Indigenous business directory this year

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 8, 2025
  • The database that allows firms to access set-aside federal procurement opportunities 'cannot be trusted ... until it is fully certified by an Indigenous group,'

Feds removed 643 more companies from its Indigenous business directory this year

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 8, 2025
  • The database that allows firms to access set-aside federal procurement opportunities 'cannot be trusted ... until it is fully certified by an Indigenous group,'
Mandy Gull-Masty
Indigenous Services Canada, which is led by Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, removed hundreds of companies from its Indigenous Business Directory in 2025. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Don’t be indifferent’: Iranian-Canadian author shares story of his life inside infamous Tehran prison in new book

  • 'If you have a purpose, then you become resilient. Then you want to fight for something. But if you don't have a purpose …
Feature | BY IREM KOCA | December 8, 2025
The Darkest Night Brings Longer Days, a memoir by author Sirous Houshmand, features his life story through 1979 Iranian revolution. Handout Photo

‘Don’t be indifferent’: Iranian-Canadian author shares story of his life inside infamous Tehran prison in new book

Feature | BY IREM KOCA | December 8, 2025
  • 'If you have a purpose, then you become resilient. Then you want to fight for something. But if you don't have a purpose …

‘Don’t be indifferent’: Iranian-Canadian author shares story of his life inside infamous Tehran prison in new book

Feature | BY IREM KOCA | December 8, 2025
  • 'If you have a purpose, then you become resilient. Then you want to fight for something. But if you don't have a purpose …
The Darkest Night Brings Longer Days, a memoir by author Sirous Houshmand, features his life story through 1979 Iranian revolution. Handout Photo

MPs order release of records from new Defence Investment Agency after it leaves the PBO waiting

  • The House Government Operations and Estimates Committee took the step to compel the release of information after hearing from the parliamentary budget officer that
News | BY IREM KOCA | December 2, 2025
Kelly Block
Kelly Block
Conservative MP Kelly Block moved a motion at the House Government Operations and Estimates Committee to compel departments to respond to the Parliamentary Budget Office's information request on Dec. 2. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

MPs order release of records from new Defence Investment Agency after it leaves the PBO waiting

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 2, 2025
  • The House Government Operations and Estimates Committee took the step to compel the release of information after hearing from the parliamentary budget officer that

MPs order release of records from new Defence Investment Agency after it leaves the PBO waiting

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 2, 2025
  • The House Government Operations and Estimates Committee took the step to compel the release of information after hearing from the parliamentary budget officer that
Kelly Block
Conservative MP Kelly Block moved a motion at the House Government Operations and Estimates Committee to compel departments to respond to the Parliamentary Budget Office's information request on Dec. 2. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘The only thing we want to see is transparency’: MPs call to view results of feds’ internal review of high-value contracts

  • Public Services and Procurement Canada says the 45-day review into finding savings through federal contracting 'was completed on schedule' and that results will be
News | BY IREM KOCA | December 1, 2025
Bloc Québécois MP Marie-Hélène Gaudreau says OGGO committee members need to see the results of the contract review requested by ministers to find savings in order to hold the government accountable. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘The only thing we want to see is transparency’: MPs call to view results of feds’ internal review of high-value contracts

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 1, 2025
  • Public Services and Procurement Canada says the 45-day review into finding savings through federal contracting 'was completed on schedule' and that results will be

‘The only thing we want to see is transparency’: MPs call to view results of feds’ internal review of high-value contracts

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 1, 2025
  • Public Services and Procurement Canada says the 45-day review into finding savings through federal contracting 'was completed on schedule' and that results will be
Bloc Québécois MP Marie-Hélène Gaudreau says OGGO committee members need to see the results of the contract review requested by ministers to find savings in order to hold the government accountable. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Feds risk derailing major projects unless they chart a clearer course for defence procurement, experts say

  • 'I simply hope that we find a way to reconcile the government’s intention and the military’s interpretation of its mission, so that we don’t allow
News | BY IREM KOCA | November 27, 2025
Canada’s multibillion-dollar purchase of 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin have been in review since last winter. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Master Sgt. John R. Nimmo Sr.

Feds risk derailing major projects unless they chart a clearer course for defence procurement, experts say

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 27, 2025
  • 'I simply hope that we find a way to reconcile the government’s intention and the military’s interpretation of its mission, so that we don’t allow

Feds risk derailing major projects unless they chart a clearer course for defence procurement, experts say

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 27, 2025
  • 'I simply hope that we find a way to reconcile the government’s intention and the military’s interpretation of its mission, so that we don’t allow
Canada’s multibillion-dollar purchase of 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin have been in review since last winter. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Master Sgt. John R. Nimmo Sr.

Deloitte’s certification as partner to Indigenous firms raises questions about access to feds’ contract regime, says Indigenous business owner

  • 'Billions of dollars are at stake, and corporations understand that Indigenous participation is now a central factor in how those dollars will move,' says
News | BY IREM KOCA | November 25, 2025
Deloitte Canada was recently certified as a business partner by the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, raising questions about the firm's access to federal contracts set aside for Indigenous business. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Deloitte’s certification as partner to Indigenous firms raises questions about access to feds’ contract regime, says Indigenous business owner

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 25, 2025
  • 'Billions of dollars are at stake, and corporations understand that Indigenous participation is now a central factor in how those dollars will move,' says

Deloitte’s certification as partner to Indigenous firms raises questions about access to feds’ contract regime, says Indigenous business owner

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 25, 2025
  • 'Billions of dollars are at stake, and corporations understand that Indigenous participation is now a central factor in how those dollars will move,' says
Deloitte Canada was recently certified as a business partner by the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, raising questions about the firm's access to federal contracts set aside for Indigenous business. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘It’s a big concern’: MPs scrutinize head of Major Projects Office for past role in Trans Mountain contract

  • Dawn Farrell was CEO of the Trans Mountain Corporation when it issued a $32.9-million sole-source contract to McKinsey and Company to help the pipeline
News | BY IREM KOCA | November 19, 2025
Bloc Québécois MP Sébastien Lemire said Dawn Farrell's previous decision to approve a controversial McKinsey contract is concerning given her new position with the Major Projects Office. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘It’s a big concern’: MPs scrutinize head of Major Projects Office for past role in Trans Mountain contract

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 19, 2025
  • Dawn Farrell was CEO of the Trans Mountain Corporation when it issued a $32.9-million sole-source contract to McKinsey and Company to help the pipeline

‘It’s a big concern’: MPs scrutinize head of Major Projects Office for past role in Trans Mountain contract

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 19, 2025
  • Dawn Farrell was CEO of the Trans Mountain Corporation when it issued a $32.9-million sole-source contract to McKinsey and Company to help the pipeline
Bloc Québécois MP Sébastien Lemire said Dawn Farrell's previous decision to approve a controversial McKinsey contract is concerning given her new position with the Major Projects Office. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Period of fluidity’: feds signal procurement transition as Defence Investment Agency ramps up

  • At least 50 procurement specialists from PSPC are moving over to the new Defence Investment Agency, according to Siobhan Harty, PSPC senior associate deputy
News | BY IREM KOCA | November 19, 2025
Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr will act as the point of accountability for the Defence Investment Agency at the top of the structure like a minister. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Period of fluidity’: feds signal procurement transition as Defence Investment Agency ramps up

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 19, 2025
  • At least 50 procurement specialists from PSPC are moving over to the new Defence Investment Agency, according to Siobhan Harty, PSPC senior associate deputy

‘Period of fluidity’: feds signal procurement transition as Defence Investment Agency ramps up

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 19, 2025
  • At least 50 procurement specialists from PSPC are moving over to the new Defence Investment Agency, according to Siobhan Harty, PSPC senior associate deputy
Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr will act as the point of accountability for the Defence Investment Agency at the top of the structure like a minister. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trade tribunal urges feds to redo multimillion-dollar defence bid after ‘valid’ complaint it favoured U.S. supplier

  • A new Canadian International Trade Tribunal ruling backs the complaint that highly restrictive technical requirements to supply night-vision binoculars effectively excluded all potential bidders
News | BY IREM KOCA | November 18, 2025
Defence Minister David McGuinty previously said he would 'look into' the terms of the contract before the Canadian International Trade Tribunal called for the government to put a hold on the procurement. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Trade tribunal urges feds to redo multimillion-dollar defence bid after ‘valid’ complaint it favoured U.S. supplier

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 18, 2025
  • A new Canadian International Trade Tribunal ruling backs the complaint that highly restrictive technical requirements to supply night-vision binoculars effectively excluded all potential bidders

Trade tribunal urges feds to redo multimillion-dollar defence bid after ‘valid’ complaint it favoured U.S. supplier

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 18, 2025
  • A new Canadian International Trade Tribunal ruling backs the complaint that highly restrictive technical requirements to supply night-vision binoculars effectively excluded all potential bidders
Defence Minister David McGuinty previously said he would 'look into' the terms of the contract before the Canadian International Trade Tribunal called for the government to put a hold on the procurement. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Avoiding ‘expensive failures’: feds risk losing millions in taxpayer dollars if ball dropped on AI procurement, says new report

  • 'If we can't get outcome-based procurement right, we'll always be seeing overspending,' says procurement expert Kelly Hutchinson.
News | BY IREM KOCA | November 14, 2025
Evan Solomon
Evan Solomon
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon. The 2025 budget proposed providing $925.6-million over the next five years to support a large-scale 'sovereign' public AI infrastructure. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Avoiding ‘expensive failures’: feds risk losing millions in taxpayer dollars if ball dropped on AI procurement, says new report

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 14, 2025
  • 'If we can't get outcome-based procurement right, we'll always be seeing overspending,' says procurement expert Kelly Hutchinson.

Avoiding ‘expensive failures’: feds risk losing millions in taxpayer dollars if ball dropped on AI procurement, says new report

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 14, 2025
  • 'If we can't get outcome-based procurement right, we'll always be seeing overspending,' says procurement expert Kelly Hutchinson.
Evan Solomon
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon. The 2025 budget proposed providing $925.6-million over the next five years to support a large-scale 'sovereign' public AI infrastructure. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Canadians deserve full confidence that public funds are protected,’ says Liberal MP after PSPC report reveals nearly a dozen employees fired for misconduct

  • Public Services and Procurement Canada completed 111 disciplinary investigations in the 2024-25 fiscal year, and found 84 cases of misconduct.
News | BY IREM KOCA | November 10, 2025
Iqra Khalid
Iqra Khalid
Liberal MP Iqra Khalid says the volume of investigations, cases, and tips 'makes one thing clear: every public dollar is at risk until proven otherwise.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Canadians deserve full confidence that public funds are protected,’ says Liberal MP after PSPC report reveals nearly a dozen employees fired for misconduct

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 10, 2025
  • Public Services and Procurement Canada completed 111 disciplinary investigations in the 2024-25 fiscal year, and found 84 cases of misconduct.

‘Canadians deserve full confidence that public funds are protected,’ says Liberal MP after PSPC report reveals nearly a dozen employees fired for misconduct

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 10, 2025
  • Public Services and Procurement Canada completed 111 disciplinary investigations in the 2024-25 fiscal year, and found 84 cases of misconduct.
Iqra Khalid
Liberal MP Iqra Khalid says the volume of investigations, cases, and tips 'makes one thing clear: every public dollar is at risk until proven otherwise.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Budget’s ‘Buy-Canadian’ push signals ‘clear commitment’ in procurement policy direction, but could also complicate the system, say observers

  • The policy shift will 'provide significant opportunities for Canadian businesses and help to limit the economic harm from United States’ tariffs,' says the Institute
News | BY IREM KOCA | November 8, 2025
Joel Lightbound
Joel Lightbound
The federal budget allocates $98.2-million over five years and $9.8-million ongoing to Public Services and Procurement Canada for a domestically-focused procurement policy, starting in 2026-27. Minister Joël Lightbound leads the department. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Budget’s ‘Buy-Canadian’ push signals ‘clear commitment’ in procurement policy direction, but could also complicate the system, say observers

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 8, 2025
  • The policy shift will 'provide significant opportunities for Canadian businesses and help to limit the economic harm from United States’ tariffs,' says the Institute

Budget’s ‘Buy-Canadian’ push signals ‘clear commitment’ in procurement policy direction, but could also complicate the system, say observers

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 8, 2025
  • The policy shift will 'provide significant opportunities for Canadian businesses and help to limit the economic harm from United States’ tariffs,' says the Institute
Joel Lightbound
The federal budget allocates $98.2-million over five years and $9.8-million ongoing to Public Services and Procurement Canada for a domestically-focused procurement policy, starting in 2026-27. Minister Joël Lightbound leads the department. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Feds recover $4.1-million from subcontractors who fraudulently over-billed the government

  • Public Services and Procurement Canada is seeking to recoup another $400,000, but offered no updates on retrieving money from ArriveCan contractor GC Strategies.
News | BY IREM KOCA | November 3, 2025
Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound says his department is working on recouping more federal funds that went to contractors who fraudulently billed the government. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Feds recover $4.1-million from subcontractors who fraudulently over-billed the government

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 3, 2025
  • Public Services and Procurement Canada is seeking to recoup another $400,000, but offered no updates on retrieving money from ArriveCan contractor GC Strategies.

Feds recover $4.1-million from subcontractors who fraudulently over-billed the government

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 3, 2025
  • Public Services and Procurement Canada is seeking to recoup another $400,000, but offered no updates on retrieving money from ArriveCan contractor GC Strategies.
Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound says his department is working on recouping more federal funds that went to contractors who fraudulently billed the government. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Cut through the table talk’: tech firms launch new group to help feds fix procurement woes 

  • The Smart Procurement Group, led by Compass Rose and seven tech firms, will offer insight on specific issues aiming to speed up how the
News | BY IREM KOCA | October 30, 2025
Compass Rose Group's Christian Roy, left, and Kelly Hutchinson will lead the new Smart Procurement Group, which aims to provide solutions to federal government and its suppliers to improve procurement. Photographs courtesy of Compass Rose

‘Cut through the table talk’: tech firms launch new group to help feds fix procurement woes 

News | BY IREM KOCA | October 30, 2025
  • The Smart Procurement Group, led by Compass Rose and seven tech firms, will offer insight on specific issues aiming to speed up how the

‘Cut through the table talk’: tech firms launch new group to help feds fix procurement woes 

News | BY IREM KOCA | October 30, 2025
  • The Smart Procurement Group, led by Compass Rose and seven tech firms, will offer insight on specific issues aiming to speed up how the
Compass Rose Group's Christian Roy, left, and Kelly Hutchinson will lead the new Smart Procurement Group, which aims to provide solutions to federal government and its suppliers to improve procurement. Photographs courtesy of Compass Rose

‘Complex, blow-your-brains-out expensive, and extraordinarily technical’: MPs urged to study Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ as feds say they’re in talks with U.S.

  • 'What is desperately needed is a non-partisan statement in Parliament that all parties recognize the need to defend Canada as a core national interest,'
News | BY IREM KOCA | October 25, 2025
President Donald Trump greets Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the West Wing entrance of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)
President Donald Trump greets Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the West Wing entrance of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)
The discussion around Canada's potential participation in the Golden Dome initiative recently came up during Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and U.S. President Donald Trump's Oct. 7 meeting at the White House. White House photograph by Daniel Torok

‘Complex, blow-your-brains-out expensive, and extraordinarily technical’: MPs urged to study Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ as feds say they’re in talks with U.S.

News | BY IREM KOCA | October 25, 2025
  • 'What is desperately needed is a non-partisan statement in Parliament that all parties recognize the need to defend Canada as a core national interest,'

‘Complex, blow-your-brains-out expensive, and extraordinarily technical’: MPs urged to study Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ as feds say they’re in talks with U.S.

News | BY IREM KOCA | October 25, 2025
  • 'What is desperately needed is a non-partisan statement in Parliament that all parties recognize the need to defend Canada as a core national interest,'
President Donald Trump greets Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the West Wing entrance of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)
The discussion around Canada's potential participation in the Golden Dome initiative recently came up during Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and U.S. President Donald Trump's Oct. 7 meeting at the White House. White House photograph by Daniel Torok

‘Urgent need for change’: procurement watchdog clocks record number of cases, more complaints in annual report

  • In 2024-25, there were 670 cases reported to the Office of the Procurement Ombud, compared to 377 case in 2018-19 when Alexander Jeglic first
News | BY IREM KOCA | October 22, 2025
Alexander Jeglic
Alexander Jeglic
Federal Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic says his office needs a budget increase to be able to conduct more procurement reviews. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Urgent need for change’: procurement watchdog clocks record number of cases, more complaints in annual report

News | BY IREM KOCA | October 22, 2025
  • In 2024-25, there were 670 cases reported to the Office of the Procurement Ombud, compared to 377 case in 2018-19 when Alexander Jeglic first

‘Urgent need for change’: procurement watchdog clocks record number of cases, more complaints in annual report

News | BY IREM KOCA | October 22, 2025
  • In 2024-25, there were 670 cases reported to the Office of the Procurement Ombud, compared to 377 case in 2018-19 when Alexander Jeglic first
Alexander Jeglic
Federal Procurement Ombud Alexander Jeglic says his office needs a budget increase to be able to conduct more procurement reviews. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
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Freeland’s proposed U.S. bid ban is ‘extreme’ and ‘unrealistic,’ could hurt Canada, say observers

  • With U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods looming, Grit leadership hopeful Chrystia Freeland suggests banning American firms from federal contracts, and blocking them from all
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 31, 2025
Chrystia Freeland
Chrystia Freeland
As part of her bid for the Liberal party's helm, former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland's plan to tackle potential tariffs from the United States includes procurement bans. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Freeland’s proposed U.S. bid ban is ‘extreme’ and ‘unrealistic,’ could hurt Canada, say observers

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 31, 2025
  • With U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods looming, Grit leadership hopeful Chrystia Freeland suggests banning American firms from federal contracts, and blocking them from all

Freeland’s proposed U.S. bid ban is ‘extreme’ and ‘unrealistic,’ could hurt Canada, say observers

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 31, 2025
  • With U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods looming, Grit leadership hopeful Chrystia Freeland suggests banning American firms from federal contracts, and blocking them from all
Chrystia Freeland
As part of her bid for the Liberal party's helm, former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland's plan to tackle potential tariffs from the United States includes procurement bans. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s ‘short-sighted’ immigration cuts will hurt the economy, say critics

  • 'It was really was a political calculus, by the Liberals to scapegoat newcomers, for their failures in their policies,' says NDP MP Jenny Kwan.
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 29, 2025
Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the government’s new immigration plans last October, in an effort to slow down population growth and relieve pressure on the housing market. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canada’s ‘short-sighted’ immigration cuts will hurt the economy, say critics

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 29, 2025
  • 'It was really was a political calculus, by the Liberals to scapegoat newcomers, for their failures in their policies,' says NDP MP Jenny Kwan.

Canada’s ‘short-sighted’ immigration cuts will hurt the economy, say critics

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 29, 2025
  • 'It was really was a political calculus, by the Liberals to scapegoat newcomers, for their failures in their policies,' says NDP MP Jenny Kwan.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the government’s new immigration plans last October, in an effort to slow down population growth and relieve pressure on the housing market. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Big Four’ consultants raked in over $220-million in federal contracts last year, despite plans to cut spending 

  • Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux says 2024 spending on consultants seems ‘a bit high’ given the feds' commitment to curbing its reliance on external
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 23, 2025
The federal government spent over $220-million with four firms for consulting in accounting and auditing, management, information technology and telecommunications services in 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Big Four’ consultants raked in over $220-million in federal contracts last year, despite plans to cut spending 

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 23, 2025
  • Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux says 2024 spending on consultants seems ‘a bit high’ given the feds' commitment to curbing its reliance on external

‘Big Four’ consultants raked in over $220-million in federal contracts last year, despite plans to cut spending 

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 23, 2025
  • Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux says 2024 spending on consultants seems ‘a bit high’ given the feds' commitment to curbing its reliance on external
The federal government spent over $220-million with four firms for consulting in accounting and auditing, management, information technology and telecommunications services in 2024. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Feds eye March decision on replacing problem-plagued Phoenix payroll system

  • The government could replace the Phoenix payroll system in 2026-27, with officials deciding by March whether to greenlight the new Dayforce system depending on
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 22, 2025
Francis Trudel, Treasury Board Secretariat associate chief human resources officer, left; and Alex Benay, Public Services and Procurement Canada associate deputy minister, give an update on the government’s efforts to replace the Phoenix pay system on Jan. 22. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Feds eye March decision on replacing problem-plagued Phoenix payroll system

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 22, 2025
  • The government could replace the Phoenix payroll system in 2026-27, with officials deciding by March whether to greenlight the new Dayforce system depending on

Feds eye March decision on replacing problem-plagued Phoenix payroll system

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 22, 2025
  • The government could replace the Phoenix payroll system in 2026-27, with officials deciding by March whether to greenlight the new Dayforce system depending on
Francis Trudel, Treasury Board Secretariat associate chief human resources officer, left; and Alex Benay, Public Services and Procurement Canada associate deputy minister, give an update on the government’s efforts to replace the Phoenix pay system on Jan. 22. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Hiring IT contractors cost feds 22 per cent more than using public servants, PBO finds

  • Federal departments spent $2.66-billion on informatics services, including IT-related services, with more than half of the spending coming from five departments in 2022-23.
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 16, 2025
Yves Giroux,
Yves Giroux,
On Jan. 16, Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux released a report looking into the fiscal cost of hiring external IT contractors. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Hiring IT contractors cost feds 22 per cent more than using public servants, PBO finds

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 16, 2025
  • Federal departments spent $2.66-billion on informatics services, including IT-related services, with more than half of the spending coming from five departments in 2022-23.

Hiring IT contractors cost feds 22 per cent more than using public servants, PBO finds

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 16, 2025
  • Federal departments spent $2.66-billion on informatics services, including IT-related services, with more than half of the spending coming from five departments in 2022-23.
Yves Giroux,
On Jan. 16, Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux released a report looking into the fiscal cost of hiring external IT contractors. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Procurement watchdog calls PSPC’s handling of interpreters’ contracts ‘unreasonable’

  • Ombud's review of complaints says proposed changes would cut freelance interpreters' number of billable hours, leading to less compensation for the same amount of
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 14, 2025
An interpreter at work in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building during a press conference with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in February 2021. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Procurement watchdog calls PSPC’s handling of interpreters’ contracts ‘unreasonable’

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 14, 2025
  • Ombud's review of complaints says proposed changes would cut freelance interpreters' number of billable hours, leading to less compensation for the same amount of

Procurement watchdog calls PSPC’s handling of interpreters’ contracts ‘unreasonable’

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 14, 2025
  • Ombud's review of complaints says proposed changes would cut freelance interpreters' number of billable hours, leading to less compensation for the same amount of
An interpreter at work in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building during a press conference with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in February 2021. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Feds spent a record $20.7-billion on outsourcing contracts last fiscal year

  • The federal government spent a record $20.7-billion on outsourcing contracts last fiscal year, despite calls to cut back on spending, criticism over its reliance
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 11, 2025
Jean-Yves Duclos
Jean-Yves Duclos
Last May, Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos addressed the need for stronger oversight and integrity in federal procurement, especially in professional services. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Feds spent a record $20.7-billion on outsourcing contracts last fiscal year

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 11, 2025
  • The federal government spent a record $20.7-billion on outsourcing contracts last fiscal year, despite calls to cut back on spending, criticism over its reliance

Feds spent a record $20.7-billion on outsourcing contracts last fiscal year

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 11, 2025
  • The federal government spent a record $20.7-billion on outsourcing contracts last fiscal year, despite calls to cut back on spending, criticism over its reliance
Jean-Yves Duclos
Last May, Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos addressed the need for stronger oversight and integrity in federal procurement, especially in professional services. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Procurement Canada spent $5.4-billion in 2023-24, but plans to shrink workforce in coming years

  • The department forecasts staffing will keep growing in the current year before declining by thousands of full-time equivalent roles in 2025-26.
News | BY IREM KOCA | January 4, 2025
Jean-Yves Duclos
Jean-Yves Duclos
On Dec. 17, Public Services and Procurement Canada, led by Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, released its 2024 departmental results report which showed a $92-million overall rise in spending from the previous fiscal year. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Procurement Canada spent $5.4-billion in 2023-24, but plans to shrink workforce in coming years

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 4, 2025
  • The department forecasts staffing will keep growing in the current year before declining by thousands of full-time equivalent roles in 2025-26.

Procurement Canada spent $5.4-billion in 2023-24, but plans to shrink workforce in coming years

News | BY IREM KOCA | January 4, 2025
  • The department forecasts staffing will keep growing in the current year before declining by thousands of full-time equivalent roles in 2025-26.
Jean-Yves Duclos
On Dec. 17, Public Services and Procurement Canada, led by Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, released its 2024 departmental results report which showed a $92-million overall rise in spending from the previous fiscal year. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

AFN national chief urges politicians to ‘put their politics aside’ to support First Nations’ access to clean water

  • In a wide-ranging interview, AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak urges cross-party support to resolve critical issues facing First Nations communities, including police-related deaths,
News | BY IREM KOCA | December 26, 2024
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak
Regardless of what's happening in the House of Commons, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says she'll keep 'pushing and pulling' to ensure First Nations are a priority for politicians. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

AFN national chief urges politicians to ‘put their politics aside’ to support First Nations’ access to clean water

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 26, 2024
  • In a wide-ranging interview, AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak urges cross-party support to resolve critical issues facing First Nations communities, including police-related deaths,

AFN national chief urges politicians to ‘put their politics aside’ to support First Nations’ access to clean water

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 26, 2024
  • In a wide-ranging interview, AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak urges cross-party support to resolve critical issues facing First Nations communities, including police-related deaths,
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak
Regardless of what's happening in the House of Commons, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says she'll keep 'pushing and pulling' to ensure First Nations are a priority for politicians. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Federal departments fix 61 errors related to Indigenous business contracts on public database

  • The RCMP has corrected the status of two firms as non-Indigenous at Indigenous Services Canada's direction. But one of those companies remains on the
News | BY IREM KOCA | December 19, 2024
Patty Hajdu
Patty Hajdu
Indigenous Services Canada, under Minister Patty Hajdu, removed over 1,200 businesses from the Indigenous Business Directory since 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Federal departments fix 61 errors related to Indigenous business contracts on public database

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 19, 2024
  • The RCMP has corrected the status of two firms as non-Indigenous at Indigenous Services Canada's direction. But one of those companies remains on the

Federal departments fix 61 errors related to Indigenous business contracts on public database

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 19, 2024
  • The RCMP has corrected the status of two firms as non-Indigenous at Indigenous Services Canada's direction. But one of those companies remains on the
Patty Hajdu
Indigenous Services Canada, under Minister Patty Hajdu, removed over 1,200 businesses from the Indigenous Business Directory since 2022. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

PM Trudeau appears to have reached a decision about his future, but he’s not yet prepared to announce it, say some Liberal MPs

  • Unlike the Oct. 23 national Liberal caucus meeting, on Dec. 16, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ‘absorbed the message’ from MPs that it’s time to
News | BY ABBAS RANA, IREM KOCA, SOPHALL DUCH | December 16, 2024
Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at the Laurier Club event at the Museum of History on Dec. 16, 2024. More MPs are calling for Trudeau to resign as Liberal Party leader after Chrystia Freeland resigned from cabinet on Dec. 16. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

PM Trudeau appears to have reached a decision about his future, but he’s not yet prepared to announce it, say some Liberal MPs

News | BY ABBAS RANA, IREM KOCA, SOPHALL DUCH | December 16, 2024
  • Unlike the Oct. 23 national Liberal caucus meeting, on Dec. 16, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ‘absorbed the message’ from MPs that it’s time to

PM Trudeau appears to have reached a decision about his future, but he’s not yet prepared to announce it, say some Liberal MPs

News | BY ABBAS RANA, IREM KOCA, SOPHALL DUCH | December 16, 2024
  • Unlike the Oct. 23 national Liberal caucus meeting, on Dec. 16, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ‘absorbed the message’ from MPs that it’s time to
Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at the Laurier Club event at the Museum of History on Dec. 16, 2024. More MPs are calling for Trudeau to resign as Liberal Party leader after Chrystia Freeland resigned from cabinet on Dec. 16. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Former Indigenous procurement auditor calls pledge to examine the program ‘hypocritical’ after feds were warned of issues for years

  • Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu says her department is working on a plan to conduct an extensive audit of the government's Indigenous procurement program.
News | BY IREM KOCA | December 10, 2024
Garry Hartle, a senior compliance auditor, says the 'absence of external audits will result in a lack of oversight to detect and deter public corruption.' Screenshot courtesy of ParlVu

Former Indigenous procurement auditor calls pledge to examine the program ‘hypocritical’ after feds were warned of issues for years

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 10, 2024
  • Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu says her department is working on a plan to conduct an extensive audit of the government's Indigenous procurement program.

Former Indigenous procurement auditor calls pledge to examine the program ‘hypocritical’ after feds were warned of issues for years

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 10, 2024
  • Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu says her department is working on a plan to conduct an extensive audit of the government's Indigenous procurement program.
Garry Hartle, a senior compliance auditor, says the 'absence of external audits will result in a lack of oversight to detect and deter public corruption.' Screenshot courtesy of ParlVu

Ottawa removed 118 companies from its Indigenous Business Directory this year

  • The list is constantly updated 'as businesses grow, dissolve, or change,' says Indigenous Services Canada, with 1,100 companies scrapped from the directory in 2022.
News | BY IREM KOCA | December 4, 2024
Patty Hajdu
Patty Hajdu
In February, Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu said the federal government was reviewing procurement policies to determine who can claim to be Indigenous when bidding for federal contracts. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Ottawa removed 118 companies from its Indigenous Business Directory this year

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 4, 2024
  • The list is constantly updated 'as businesses grow, dissolve, or change,' says Indigenous Services Canada, with 1,100 companies scrapped from the directory in 2022.

Ottawa removed 118 companies from its Indigenous Business Directory this year

News | BY IREM KOCA | December 4, 2024
  • The list is constantly updated 'as businesses grow, dissolve, or change,' says Indigenous Services Canada, with 1,100 companies scrapped from the directory in 2022.
Patty Hajdu
In February, Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu said the federal government was reviewing procurement policies to determine who can claim to be Indigenous when bidding for federal contracts. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘We need deterrence’: Indigenous researcher tells MPs Boissonnault should be kicked from Liberal caucus

  • Indigenous advocates say gaps in federal procurement oversight allow businesses to fraudulently secure lucrative contracts that could support Indigenous communities.
News | BY IREM KOCA | November 28, 2024
Indigenous researcher Crystal Semaganis says former minister Randy Boissonnault should not remain in Liberal caucus amid allegations his former company falsely claimed Indigenous status in bids to secure federal funds. Screenshot courtesy of ParlVu

‘We need deterrence’: Indigenous researcher tells MPs Boissonnault should be kicked from Liberal caucus

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 28, 2024
  • Indigenous advocates say gaps in federal procurement oversight allow businesses to fraudulently secure lucrative contracts that could support Indigenous communities.

‘We need deterrence’: Indigenous researcher tells MPs Boissonnault should be kicked from Liberal caucus

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 28, 2024
  • Indigenous advocates say gaps in federal procurement oversight allow businesses to fraudulently secure lucrative contracts that could support Indigenous communities.
Indigenous researcher Crystal Semaganis says former minister Randy Boissonnault should not remain in Liberal caucus amid allegations his former company falsely claimed Indigenous status in bids to secure federal funds. Screenshot courtesy of ParlVu

‘Get on with it’: defence industry responds to Blair’s call for stronger ties to speed up procurement

  • Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff Stephen Kelsey told industry leaders: 'We’re not complete buffoons. We are aware of the complexities of procurement, the frustration
News | BY IREM KOCA | November 27, 2024
Bill Blair
Bill Blair
Defence Minister Bill Blair says he is 'in a hurry' to accelerate procurement efforts to meet the urgent needs of the Canadian Armed Forces, but he needs help from the defence industry. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

‘Get on with it’: defence industry responds to Blair’s call for stronger ties to speed up procurement

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 27, 2024
  • Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff Stephen Kelsey told industry leaders: 'We’re not complete buffoons. We are aware of the complexities of procurement, the frustration

‘Get on with it’: defence industry responds to Blair’s call for stronger ties to speed up procurement

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 27, 2024
  • Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff Stephen Kelsey told industry leaders: 'We’re not complete buffoons. We are aware of the complexities of procurement, the frustration
Bill Blair
Defence Minister Bill Blair says he is 'in a hurry' to accelerate procurement efforts to meet the urgent needs of the Canadian Armed Forces, but he needs help from the defence industry. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Feds suspend Boissonnault’s former company from participating in federal procurement

  • Public Services and Procurement Canada suspended Global Health Imports Corporation from participating in federal procurement, effective Nov. 22.
News | BY IREM KOCA | November 26, 2024
Randy Boissonnault resigned from cabinet on Nov. 20, following reports that Global Health Imports Corporation, a firm he previously co-owned, described itself as 'wholly Indigenous-owned' in bids for federal contracts. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Feds suspend Boissonnault’s former company from participating in federal procurement

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 26, 2024
  • Public Services and Procurement Canada suspended Global Health Imports Corporation from participating in federal procurement, effective Nov. 22.

Feds suspend Boissonnault’s former company from participating in federal procurement

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 26, 2024
  • Public Services and Procurement Canada suspended Global Health Imports Corporation from participating in federal procurement, effective Nov. 22.
Randy Boissonnault resigned from cabinet on Nov. 20, following reports that Global Health Imports Corporation, a firm he previously co-owned, described itself as 'wholly Indigenous-owned' in bids for federal contracts. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Boissonnault debacle feeds into pattern of ethical lapses in government, deepens Liberal woes, say observers

  • Conservative pundit Yaroslav Baran says Randy Boissonnault should have stepped down sooner for the sake of the Liberal Party. 'I probably would have left
News | BY IREM KOCA | November 22, 2024
Randy Boissonnault
Randy Boissonnault
Former employment minister Randy Boissonnault left cabinet on Nov. 20 amid questions about his heritage and controversial business ties. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Boissonnault debacle feeds into pattern of ethical lapses in government, deepens Liberal woes, say observers

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 22, 2024
  • Conservative pundit Yaroslav Baran says Randy Boissonnault should have stepped down sooner for the sake of the Liberal Party. 'I probably would have left

Boissonnault debacle feeds into pattern of ethical lapses in government, deepens Liberal woes, say observers

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 22, 2024
  • Conservative pundit Yaroslav Baran says Randy Boissonnault should have stepped down sooner for the sake of the Liberal Party. 'I probably would have left
Randy Boissonnault
Former employment minister Randy Boissonnault left cabinet on Nov. 20 amid questions about his heritage and controversial business ties. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Japan not taking part in procurement bid for Canadian Navy’s new subs

  • With billions of dollars at stake and Arctic security concerns, Canada’s submarine procurement competition is poised to be one of the decade's most sought
News | BY IREM KOCA, NEIL MOSS | November 21, 2024
Defence Minister Bill Blair announced in July that Canada would be purchasing 'up to' 12 new submarines to replace its fleet of four. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Japan not taking part in procurement bid for Canadian Navy’s new subs

News | BY IREM KOCA, NEIL MOSS | November 21, 2024
  • With billions of dollars at stake and Arctic security concerns, Canada’s submarine procurement competition is poised to be one of the decade's most sought

Japan not taking part in procurement bid for Canadian Navy’s new subs

News | BY IREM KOCA, NEIL MOSS | November 21, 2024
  • With billions of dollars at stake and Arctic security concerns, Canada’s submarine procurement competition is poised to be one of the decade's most sought
Defence Minister Bill Blair announced in July that Canada would be purchasing 'up to' 12 new submarines to replace its fleet of four. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Champagne problems

  • Plus, checking in on the climate summit in Azerbaijan.
Feature | BY PETER MAZEREEUW, RIDDHI KACHHELA, IREM KOCA | November 20, 2024
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne will speak today at a gathering of businesspeople from across North America eyeing another NAFTA renegotiation. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Champagne problems

Feature | BY PETER MAZEREEUW, RIDDHI KACHHELA, IREM KOCA | November 20, 2024
  • Plus, checking in on the climate summit in Azerbaijan.

Champagne problems

Feature | BY PETER MAZEREEUW, RIDDHI KACHHELA, IREM KOCA | November 20, 2024
  • Plus, checking in on the climate summit in Azerbaijan.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne will speak today at a gathering of businesspeople from across North America eyeing another NAFTA renegotiation. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Senators approve procurement policy update, with contract limit increase on the horizon

  • The Senate Internal Economy Committee has approved updates to the procurement policy, but the changes have not yet been implemented.
News | BY IREM KOCA | November 8, 2024
CSG Senator Jim Quinn highlighted concerns over potential changes in contract values during the procurement of goods or services, which could result in escalation of prices. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Senators approve procurement policy update, with contract limit increase on the horizon

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 8, 2024
  • The Senate Internal Economy Committee has approved updates to the procurement policy, but the changes have not yet been implemented.

Senators approve procurement policy update, with contract limit increase on the horizon

News | BY IREM KOCA | November 8, 2024
  • The Senate Internal Economy Committee has approved updates to the procurement policy, but the changes have not yet been implemented.
CSG Senator Jim Quinn highlighted concerns over potential changes in contract values during the procurement of goods or services, which could result in escalation of prices. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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