Response to parliamentary committees and external audits: 2023 to 2024 Departmental Results Report
On this page
- Response to parliamentary committees
- Response to audits conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (including audits conducted by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)
- Response to reports conducted by the Office of the Procurement Ombudsman
- Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
Response to parliamentary committees
Report 5
Standing Committee on National Defence: Report 5—The Cyber Defence of Canada
Departmental response to report 5
Government response to Report 5: The Cyber Defence of Canada (PDF)
Summary of report 5
The committee recommended that the Government of Canada work with its Five Eyes partners to adopt a Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) that would be consistent and recognized by its partners to ensure that Canadian defence companies are not disadvantaged by having different security standards in Canada compared to the Five Eyes partners. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) accepted the committee's recommendation.
Actions taken to address the recommendations for report 5
PSPC has taken many actions to implement this recommendation, including industry consultation; initiation of a Request for Information (RFI) process; the establishment of the Canadian Program for Cyber Security Certification (CPCSC); and the adaptation and development of Canadian cyber security standards.
PSPC engaged with industry stakeholders in various ways (online webinars, one-on-one meetings and in-person interactions at various defence or cyber-themed tradeshows, etc.) to gather insights and feedback on the CPCSC framework. The department also collected detailed input from stakeholders to inform the program’s design and implementation, through an RFI process.
Additionally, PSPC undertook preparatory actions to introduce mandatory cyber security certification requirements in select defence contracts by winter 2025. It also introduced CPCSC requirements in phases to allow suppliers and the cyber security community adequate time to adapt. The cyber security controls from the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publications 800-171 and 800-172 standards were also adapted to the Canadian context. The Communications Security Establishment is developing these adapted standards to establish minimum cyber security requirements for defence contracts.
Report 7
Standing Committee on National Defence: Report 7—Public Procurement of the CP-140 Aurora Replacement
Departmental response to report 7
Government Response to Report 7: Public Procurement of the CP-140 Aurora Replacement (PDF)
Summary of report 7
The committee recommended that the government must proceed by way of a formal Request for Proposal before awarding any procurement contract of the new Canadian Multi‑Mission Aircraft. PSPC accepted the committee’s recommendation.
Actions taken to address the recommendations for report 7
In collaboration with the Department of National Defence (DND), PSPC performed due diligence when considering the various procurement options to identify the best capability to replace the aging CP-140 Aurora fleet. This included the possibility of undertaking a competition, using a sole-source procurement or proceeding with a maritime patrol aircraft development program.
To assess potential sources of supply, PSPC and DND undertook several market analysis activities, including open-source information review, consultation with allies and market assessment studies of procurement options. PSPC also issued a request for information to industry in February 2022 to seek feedback on requirements for the CP‑140 Aurora replacement, as well as on industry's interest, capacity and experience to provide an aircraft that would meet the requirements.
Following a thorough analysis of the operational requirements and procurement options available, PSPC and DND concluded that the Boeing P-8A Poseidon is the only currently available multi-mission aircraft that meets all of the Canadian operational requirements and allows for a seamless replacement of the CP-140 Aurora fleet before it reaches its expected end of life in 2030.
The determination of a solution that met the requirements of the Canadian Armed Forces in a timely and cost-effective manner meant that soliciting bids or pursuing a competition was not required as it would result in unnecessary delays. As a result, the Government of Canada announced on November 30, 2023, that it will be acquiring up to 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft manufactured by Boeing for the Royal Canadian Air Force through the United States Foreign Military Sales program to replace the current fleet of CP-140 Aurora.
Report 8
Departmental response to report 8
Summary of report 8
The committee recommended the achievement of equal access to menstrual products and education for all menstruating people in Canada. PSPC accepted the committee’s recommendation.
Actions taken to address the recommendations for report 8
In collaboration with Employment and Social Development Canada, PSPC had undertaken initiatives to ensure the provision of free menstrual products in washrooms located within controlled areas accessible to federal employees in both Crown-owned and leased spaces by December 15, 2023.
PSPC provided menstrual products in over 8,600 washrooms nationally. The department installed accessible menstrual product dispensers in women’s, men’s, all-access and inclusive washrooms; installed covered disposal receptacles in every men’s washroom toilet compartment (stall); and, modified building maintenance schedules to include the procurement and restocking of menstrual products to meet usage.
The free menstrual products provided consist of scent-free regular flow tampons with cardboard applicator (where feasible) and regular flow pads. The selection of products that are environmentally friendly or made of sustainable materials in their production is prioritized where feasible to minimize environmental impact. To support accessibility, menstrual product dispensers are compliant with article 6.2 Washroom Facilities in CSA B651-2023 Accessibility Design for the Built Environment.
To ensure the measures taken aligned with the interests and needs of diverse groups PSPC engaged and consulted with various internal and external stakeholders. PSPC led a working group comprised of representatives from multiple federal departments and agencies including the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS). Additionally, PSPC collaborated with its Real Property Service Providers who support the ongoing initiative.
Report 9
Departmental response to report 9
Summary of report 9
The committee made a number of recommendations in relation to the implementation of the Indigenous Languages Act, which were grouped by theme. The recommendations under Theme 5 (increasing the use of Indigenous languages within the government) call for the accommodation of simultaneous interpretation in more than three languages in Parliament and incentives for the use of Indigenous languages within the public service. In response, PSPC’s Translation Bureau continues to work to increase its capacity in Indigenous languages.
Actions taken to address the recommendations for report 9
PSPC's Translation Bureau continues to work towards increasing the number of Indigenous language freelance interpreters and the number of Indigenous languages in which it can offer services, strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities and building partnerships with Indigenous organizations. This will directly contribute to expanding the number of Indigenous languages and dialects in which it can offer its translation and interpretation services to the Government and Parliament.
In collaboration with 2 Indigenous project officers, the Translation Bureau continued to build capacity in Indigenous communities. In 2023 to 2024, the number of new Indigenous languages service providers at the Translation Bureau rose by 68, for a total of 125 service providers, an increase of approximately 119% compared to 2022 to 2023. The number is expected to stabilize in the future. The Translation Bureau is well on track to meet its target of 20% increase in the total number of Indigenous languages service providers by 2026 to 2027 compared to its 2022 to 2023 baseline.
In terms of interpretation, the Translation Bureau can offer services in 29 Indigenous language combinations. The five most frequently requested Indigenous languages are Inuktitut, Cree, Innu-Aimun, Mohawk and Ojibway. As part of its services to Parliament, it regularly provides interpretation in Inuktitut-English for meetings of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs. In 2023 to 2024, PSPC’s Translation Bureau provided services for Senator Boyer’s Statement in the Senate (Michif-English); the statements of a member of Parliament Lori Idlout (Inuktitut-English) in the House of Commons; the public hearings and meetings of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (Algonquin-English) and at the National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People (Inuktitut-English).
Report 10
Departmental response to report 10
Summary of report 10
There were no recommendations for PSPC.
Actions taken to address the recommendations for report 10
There were no recommendations for PSPC.
Report 10
Departmental response to report 10
Summary of report 10
The committee recommended that the Government of Canada, in collaboration with national security agencies, establish rigorous mechanisms to ensure that any contractual arrangements between Canada and foreign suppliers do not create high risk to national security. In response, PSPC continues to actively collaborate with the national security agencies in the development of measures to mitigate security risks in federal contracts.
Actions taken to address the recommendations for report 10
In early 2024, PSPC created a working group to develop tools that would help procurement officers identify and mitigate security risks in federal contracts, including national security risks. As part of this initiative, PSPC consulted key national security agencies, including the Communications Security Establishment and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, on a security risk pre-assessment questionnaire to identify at the pre-solicitation phase potential security risks associated with the procurement. The questionnaire will be used to increase PSPC’s challenge function and to provide guidance about the appropriate security measures that should be built into the procurement strategy, such as requiring further review by subject matter experts or the need to include a Supply Chain Risk Assessment. The questionnaire is currently being implemented in the form of a pilot project within key sectors of PSPC.
Report 14
Departmental response to report 14
Summary of report 14
There were no recommendations for PSPC.
Actions taken to address the recommendations for report 14
There were no recommendations for PSPC.
Response to audits conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (including audits conducted by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)
In this section
Report 1
Departmental response to report 1
Departmental Response to Recommendation 1.73
Summary of report 1
The objective of this audit was to determine whether the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency, and PSPC managed all aspects of the ArriveCAN application, including procurement and expected deliverables, with due regard to value for money.
Actions taken to address the recommendations for report 1
To address the recommendation in this report, PSPC has provided direction, in a December 4, 2023 communique, to procurement staff to ensure that task authorizations include clear tasks and deliverables, in addition to identifying the specific project(s) or initiative(s) that are included in the scope of contracts. Additionally, PSPC sent a directive to its client departments, via their senior designated official for procurement, indicating this change was immediately being brought into effect for professional services contracts, as of November 28, 2023.
PSPC has also updated the Guide to Preparing and Administering Task Authorizations as well as the Record of Agreement template for client departments.
Report 7
Summary of report 7
There were no recommendations for PSPC.
Actions taken to address the recommendations for report 7
There were no recommendations for PSPC.
Report 8
Report 8: The Benefits Delivery Modernization Programme
Summary of report 8
There were no recommendations for PSPC.
Actions taken to address the recommendations for report 8
There were no recommendations for PSPC.
Response to reports conducted by the Office of the Procurement Ombudsman
In this section
Report: Procurement Practice Review of Contracts Awarded to McKinsey & Company
Procurement Practice Review of Contracts Awarded to McKinsey & Company
Departmental response to report
Departmental response to the recommendations
Summary of report
The objective of the review was to determine whether procurement practices pertaining to contracts awarded to McKinsey were conducted in a fair, open, and transparent manner. To make this determination, the Office of Procurement Ombudsman (OPO) examined whether these practices were consistent with Canada’s obligations under national and international trade agreements, the Financial Administration Act and the regulations made under it, Treasury Board policy and, where applicable, organizational policies and guidelines.
Actions taken to address the recommendations for report
To address the recommendations in this report, PSPC has confirmed that adequate procedures are a in place for all resources participating in a contract or Task Authorization (TA) meeting contract security requirements. PSPC has sent reminders to all procurement officers of the policy requirements to this effect, which includes having a detailed statement of work on file. A new mandatory professional services procurement file completion checklist has also been implemented, which will strengthen the documentation of security validations before issuing contracts or call ups and during contract management.
Additionally, PSPC has reviewed its internal authorities and oversight of non-competitive National Master Standing Offers (NMSOs) for professional services and has established that going forward non-competitive benchmarking NMSOs will be limited to data only and will not include professional services.
PSPC has taken further action to strengthen information management practices, including the documentation of client-driven decision and actions. As such, PSPC has made progress to update the Supply Manual, requiring a justification for all non-competitive standing offers (SOs), all subsequent call-ups from non-competitive SOs, and for situations where more than one SO is authorized for use for a requirement but no ranking methodology has been established for the issuance of subsequent call-ups.
Report: Procurement Practice Review of ArriveCAN
Procurement Practice Review of ArriveCAN
Departmental response to report
Procurement Practice Review of ArriveCAN: Office of the Procurement Ombudsman
Summary of report
The objective of this review was to determine whether procurement practices pertaining to contracts associated with the creation, implementation, or maintenance of ArriveCAN were conducted in a fair, open and transparent manner. To make this determination, the OPO examined whether these practices were consistent with the Financial Administration Act and the regulations made under it, TBS policy and, where applicable, organizational policies and guidelines.
Actions taken to address the recommendations for report
To address the recommendations in the report, PSPC has provided direction to procurement staff regarding compliance to policy, security, and resources meeting requirements. PSPC has also confirmed that adequate procedures are in place for sharing contract information with the Contract Security Program. These procedures were communicated with all procurement personnel and are being monitored for compliance.
Additionally, PSPC now requires that clients submit proof that security requirements have been verified when requesting PSPC authorization of TA forms. They also need to provide completed resource assessment worksheets demonstrating the proposed resource meets the requirements for the applicable category and level when requesting PSPC authorization of TA forms.
Moreover, PSPC retracted its client departments’ authorities to issue their own TAs on currently active professional services contracts for which PSPC is the contracting authority. PSPC has communicated with client departments outlining the changes required to maintain their TA authority.
Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
There were no audits in 2023 to 2024 requiring a response.