For immediate release
Gatineau, Quebec, September 4, 2009 – The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, today announced that the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) is to carry-out the Government of Canada’s consultations with the defence and security industries on factors that affect the military procurement process. This initiative is one of a series of consultations planned by the government on military procurement.
“I am very pleased to announce that an open and productive dialogue has begun,” said Minister Paradis. “The Government of Canada is committed to reforming and improving the way it does business. This initiative will build on our accomplishments in improving procurement. It will result in better planning, more predictable investment for industry, and facilitate the supply of critical procurement in support of federal government programs and missions.”
This consultation will be in collaboration with the Department of National Defence and Industry Canada, and will provide a forum for industry representatives to formally express their views and make suggestions on how to improve the military procurement system. This consultation builds on Public Works and Government Services Canada’s achievements to reduce the time it takes to procure major military equipment.
“The Canada First Defence Strategy sets the stage for a renewed relationship with Canada’s defence industry. These consultations will help develop and strengthen that relationship,” said Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, the Honourable Peter MacKay. “We look forward to working closely with industry to develop a relationship that provides the Canadian Forces with the equipment they need, and that benefits Canada and Canadians.”
The consultations will cover a wide range of issues from how procurement can be used as a catalyst for Canadian domestic industrial objectives to defining what constitutes a successful procurement process. Potential participants will be advised through MERX™ www.merx.com—the government’s electronic tendering system—of upcoming event dates and locations. Consultations are scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2009.
These consultations are part of the Canada First Defence Strategy (CFDS), which provides a detailed roadmap for the modernization of the Canadian Forces and builds on the government’s investments in the military. Through this strategy, the government has committed $240 billion in non-personnel related defence materials over the next 20 years. This strategy will allow the government to continue to rebuild the Canadian Forces into the state-of-the-art military that Canada needs and deserves.
The government’s objective is to procure military goods and services in a way that enhances access and competition, treats industry fairly, and achieves the best value for Canadians.
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For more information, contact:
Mary-Ann Dewey-Plante
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Paradis
613-218-6961
Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315
