Transformative Indigenous Procurement Strategy: dialogue with Indigenous partners
How we are engaging with Indigenous partners on the co-development of a Transformative Indigenous Procurement Strategy.
Current status: Open
The dialogue sessions started in Fall 2022.
On this page
What
In August 2021, the Government of Canada recommitted to renewing and strengthening its economic relationship with Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities by providing increased economic opportunities to First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses through the federal procurement process.
As a result of past engagement with Indigenous partners, the Government of Canada implemented a mandatory requirement for federal departments and agencies to ensure that a minimum of 5% of the total value of contracts are held by Indigenous businesses. This requirement includes public reporting and is being phased in over 3 years, beginning in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, with full implementation expected in the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
In addition, preliminary changes to the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Businesses (PSIB, formerly known as the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business) were introduced including:
- a broadened definition of "Indigenous business"
- an expansion of the size and number of geographic areas where federal organizations must first consider procuring with Indigenous businesses
Funding was also announced to:
- continue meaningful engagement to co-develop a longer-term transformative approach to Indigenous procurement
- increase the capacity of Indigenous-owned businesses to compete and receive more federal procurement contracts
Why
The goal of this engagement is to:
- create awareness of the latest changes to Indigenous procurement
- identify areas where Indigenous businesses can develop capacity to provide goods and services needed by federal departments and agencies
- gather information and build the foundation for a co-developed Transformative Indigenous Procurement Strategy which supports economic reconciliation
Who
The Government of Canada is seeking the views of key stakeholders, for example:
- representatives from Modern Treaty Rights Holders
- representatives of National Indigenous Organizations
- representatives of Indigenous organizations with technical expertise in economic development
- interested Indigenous leaders (or their delegates or representatives)
- Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs
How to participate
ISC organized dialogue sessions across the country starting in the 2023-2024 fiscal year; further dialogue sessions are being scheduled for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
When and where
Dialogue sessions are held in-person and virtually. For more information on how you can participate, please contact the Transformative Indigenous Procurement Strategy engagement team contact us.
What we heard
A summary of the dialogue sessions will be made available following their completion.
Contact us
For more information, please contact: staa-tips@sac-isc.gc.ca