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 Cleaning up the procurement of government contracts
The context
In carrying out its programs and providing services to Canadians, the Government of Canada is one of the largest purchasers of goods and services in the country. It is important
that the bidding process for government contracts, including those for polling and advertising, be fair, open, and transparent.
What this means for Canadians
Through these measures, the Government will ensure that the procurement process is free of political interference, and that a clear process is in place to address complaints
from potential suppliers. It will also provide greater opportunities for small vendors and vendors in all regions of Canada to compete for government contracts.
The Action Plan
To reinforce Canadians' confidence in the procurement process, the Federal Accountability Act will:
- include an overarching statement of principles on procurement that commits the Government to promoting fairness, openness, and transparency in the bidding process;
- require that contracts include integrity provisions; and
- create the position of a Procurement Auditor to:
- review procurement practices across government;
- handle complaints from potential suppliers;
- review complaints regarding contract administration;
- manage an alternative dispute resolution process for contracts; and
- submit an annual report to be tabled in Parliament.
In addition, the Government will:
- engage an independent procurement expert to review the draft policy on managing procurement to ensure that its requirements reinforce a fair, open, and transparent procurement
process;
- introduce a Code of Conduct for Procurement to consolidate the existing suite of conflict-of-interest and anti-corruption policies, which would apply to both suppliers and
public-service employees; and
- provide more resources and greater regional presence to the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises within Public Works and Government Services Canada, to help businesses
maintain access to government opportunities and ensure they are treated fairly.
In addition, the Government is also introducing reforms to government public opinion research and advertising (see related fact sheet called "Cleaning up government polling and
advertising" for details).
For more information
For more information on this specific measure, please refer to the relevant section of the Action Plan, or contact us. |
