Supplier Advisory Committee: June 4, 2025

Find the agenda and the record of discussion (RoD).

On this page 

• Agenda
• Record of discussion

Agenda

Meeting location: Native Women’s Association of Canada in Gatineau QC

Table 1: Agenda (9:00 to 3:00 pm, Eastern Time (ET))

Time (ET)	Subject	Speaker
8:30 to 9:00 am 30 min	Networking Coffee and Refreshments will be served	N/A
9:00 to 9:10 am 10 min	Land acknowledgement & opening prayer	Irene Compton First Nations Elder
9:10 to 9:35 am 25 min	Welcome remarks and roundtable introductions	Co-chairs Dominic Laporte Government Co-chair, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Procurement, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) Donna Ringrose Interim Private Sector Co-chair, Executive Director, CMC-Canada
9:35 to 9:40 am 5 min	Approval of Record of Discussion SAC meeting of February 19, 2025	Co-Chairs
9:40 to 9:55 am 15 min	Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC) Update Update (10 min) SAC feedback (5 min)	Clinton Lawrence-Whyte Director General, Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC), Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
9:55 to 10:15 am 20 min	Indigenous Procurement: Report on 5% Target Overview (5 min) SAC feedback (15 min)	Monique Sauriol Senior Director, Transformative Indigenous Procurement Strategy Indigenous Services Canada Sonam Dolma Manager, Reporting and Data Transformative Indigenous Procurement Strategy Indigenous Services Canada Matthew Sreter Executive Director, Indigenous Procurement Policy Directorate, Strategic Policy Sector, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
10:15 to 10:30 am 15 min	Health break and networking Coffee and refreshments will be provided	N/A
10:30 to 10:50 am 20 min	Update on Vendor Performance Management Implementation Overview (10 min) SAC feedback (10 min)	Jean-Guy Brin A/DG, Procurement Support Services Sector Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) Jean-Daniel Bourret Chief, Contract Quality Assurance and Records Compliance Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) Santina Vendra Associate Director Strategic Policy Sector Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
10:50 to 11:40 am 50 min	How can Artificial Intelligence help businesses and Government to be more effective Overview (10 min) SAC feedback (30 min)	Jean-Gabriel Gaudreault Professor and coordinator of the Artificial Intelligence program at Collège La Cité Kara Beckles Executive Director, Privacy and Responsible Data Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
11:40 am to 1:00 pm 80 min	Lunch break and informal discussion Lunch provided	N/A
1:00 to 1:40 p.m. 40 min	Tariffs and Remission process Overview (10 min) SAC feedback (30 min)	Michèle Govier Special advisor International Trade Policy Division Finance Canada
1:40 pm to 2:00 pm 20 min	Government of Canada Greening Strategy Overview (5 min) SAC feedback (15 min)	Nick Xenos Executive Director Centre for Greening Government Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
2:00 to 2:20 pm 20 min	Roundtable Roundtable Forward Agenda Next meeting	Co-Chairs
2:20 to 3:00 pm 40 min	Networking Coffee and refreshments will be provided	N/A

Record of discussion

June 4th, 2025, from 9:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET

Attendees

Co-chairs: Present

• Government co-chair: Public Service and Procurement Canada (PSPC), Procurement Branch (PB), Dominic Laporte, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister (SADM), Procurement
• Private sector co-chair: CMC-Canada, Donna Ringrose, Executive Director

Member organizations present

• Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC): Louis-Charles Roy, delegate for Dwayne Lucas, Vice President, Special Projects
• Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC): Carmen Chen, delegate for Cassandra Dorrington, President & CEO
• Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI): Nicolas Todd, Vice President, Government Relations and Communications
• Canadian Association of Management Consultants (CMC-Canada): Sandy Moir, Partner at Goss Gilroy Inc. Management Consultants
• Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC): Alex Greco, Senior Director, Manufacturing & Value Chains
• Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB): Michelle Auger, Manager, National Business Issues and Projects
• Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC): Eloise Haliburton, delegate for Darrell Schuurman, Co-Founder and CEO
• Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME): Haroun Mansour, delegate for Ryan Greer, Vice President, Public Affairs & National Policy
• Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO): Ray Wanuch, Executive Director
• TECHNATION, Cait Drouillard, delegate for Prateek Sureka, Executive Vice President, Government Relations, and Strategy

Member organizations absent

• Women’s Business Enterprises Canada Council (WBE Canada): Heather Barker, President

Special guests and presenters

• Saulteaux First Nations, Grandmother Irene Compton
• Finance Canada, Michèle Govier, Special Advisor, International Trade Policy Division
• Indigenous Services Canada, Monique Sauriol, Senior Director, Reporting and Data, Transformative Indigenous Procurement Strategy
• Indigenous Services Canada, Sonam Dolma Manager, Reporting and Data, Transformative Indigenous Procurement Strategy
• PSPC, Jean-Guy Brin, A/DG, Procurement Support Services Sector (PSSS)
• PSPC, Jean-Daniel Bourret, Chief, Contract Quality Assurance and Records Compliance, PSSS
• Collège La Cité, Jean-Gabriel Gaudreault, Professor and coordinator of the Artificial Intelligence program
• Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, Kara Beckles, Executive Director, Privacy and Responsible Data
• Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, Nick Xenos, Executive Director, Centre for Greening Government

Supplier Advisory Committee secretariat

• PSPC, Clinton Lawrence-Whyte, DG Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC)
• PSPC, Leslie-Ann Chang, A/Senior Director, Supplier Engagement and Regional Coordination (SERC)
• PSPC, Aline Ngarukiyintwali, Manager, Inreach, SERC
• PSPC, Fresnel Devalon, Inreach, SERC
• PSPC, Alfred Ogbumor, Inreach, SERC
• PSPC, Paula McLenaghan, Inreach, SERC
• PSPC, Baaloon Nanang, Inreach, SERC
• PSPC, Cyrille Kouton, Inreach, SERC

Land acknowledgement and opening prayer

The Government co-chair acknowledged that this meeting was being held on unceded territory of the Anishinaabeg Algonquin people. He also invited Grandmother Irene Compton, of Saulteaux First Nations, to open the meeting with a reflection from the perspective of the Indigenous community. Grandmother Irene sang to invite the ancestors in and to create a safe space for the participants.

Welcoming remarks and roundtable introductions

The government co-chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and invited all SAC members to participate in the official language of their choice.

The Private sector co-chair invited participants to introduce themselves and their organizations.

The government co-chair highlighted key priorities from the Speech from the Throne, focusing on efforts to build a more unified Canadian economy. A central objective is to eliminate federal barriers to trade and labour mobility, which could help prevent the annual loss of $200 billion. The government also stressed the importance of upholding strong rules-based trade systems to ensure resilient and reliable supply chains.

Other government priorities include boosting Canada’s clean and green economy by becoming a global leader in producing environmentally friendly materials and vehicles, which will also create green jobs. The government plans to support cultural and creative industries by reforming the Broadcasting Act and will increase foreign aid to promote sustainable and gender equitable development, with procurement playing a role in delivering this support.

The government co-chair noted that PSPC Minister’s title has changed to include Government Transformation.

As the new government co-chair, he encouraged SAC members to bring forward updates or new ideas for the committee’s direction.

Approval: Record of discussion

SAC unanimously approved the record of discussion for the February 19, 2025, meeting.

Procurement Assistance Canada Updates

The Government co-chair invited Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC) of PSPC to provide updates.

Presentation summary

PSPC-PAC shared updates, noting that all PAC events have resumed nationwide following the election pause. They highlighted the recent 2025 Business Perspectives on Federal Procurement Survey, which received over 2,500 SME responses with a 20% response rate—considered a success by Statistics Canada. An analytical report is in development, and outreach activity statistics will be shared at the next meeting.

PSPC-PAC is also planning an SME Fair for the fall across Canada, starting in Toronto, aiming to connect businesses with all levels of government.

Organizationally, as of April 1, 2025, PSPC-PAC now oversees the E-Procurement Solution Division, visibly seen as CanadaBuys. This change is expected to strengthen outreach and engagement with suppliers. PSPC-PAC is also aiming to enhance digital support services, explore the full potential of SAP Ariba, and improve vendor performance management. More updates are expected on these initiatives soon.

SAC members provided the following feedback:

• TECHNATION inquired about the channels of communicating the upcoming fall SME Fair. PSPC-PAC confirmed it will be shared through multiple channels, with CanadaBuys as the primary one, and listed on PAC’s events calendar. They emphasized broad outreach and noted ongoing international engagement to better market Canadian opportunities, with more impactful events in development
• CADSI asked about mitigation measures for government suppliers. PSPC-PAC responded that risk management varies across contracts and emphasized the importance of suppliers engaging directly with their Contract Authorities when facing supply chain issues. While PSPC has shared feedback with Contract Authorities, broader commentary is limited due to the complexity and variability of cases
• On defence contracts, CADSI referenced the Memorandum D8-9-3 (Defence Supplies and Defence Production and Development Sharing Arrangements Between Canada and the United States) that exempts tariffs in the defence supply chain and asked about similar provisions. PSPC-PAC suggested raising this during Finance Canada's presentation on the remission process
• PSPC-PAC also shared a side note on supplier positioning, mentioning ideas around supplier certification and supporting Canadian businesses. This could focus on highlighting top-performing suppliers and strengthen their presence in government procurement

Indigenous Procurement: Report on 5% Target

The Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) provided the status of the Government of Canada on the target of 5% for Indigenous procurement.

Presentation summary

The Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) presentation outlined progress and updates on the Government of Canada's mandatory minimum 5% Indigenous procurement target. Qualifying contracts include those awarded under the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB), open tenders to verified Indigenous businesses, and contracts in Modern Treaty areas. However, grants, indirect benefits, and contracts with unverified Indigenous businesses do not count.

In 2023 – 24, most departments improved their performance compared to the previous year, with 94% of Phase 1 and 80% of Phase 2 organizations meeting or exceeding the target. The Department of National Defence accounted for the majority of exceptions. ISC is enhancing transparency and accountability by publishing expanded datasets, including contract details and vendor information, while also addressing data limitations such as the lack of tracking for subcontracts and socio-economic impacts.

SAC members provided the following feedback:

• CANDO asked why DND reports higher procurement numbers. ISC explained that Defence contracts often receive high-level approval, span multiple years, and help meet the 5% Indigenous procurement target more easily than smaller departments. On a follow up question from CANDO on Industrial Technological Benefits (ITBs), ISC noted Defence’s large, unique purchases account for about 80% of the 5% target value. ISC added that improvements are underway based on what has been learned
• CMC-Canada asked about the backlog in registering Indigenous businesses. ISC explained the surge in applications as well as ongoing efforts to re-certify existing entries to prevent fraud. CANDO then asked about active fraud cases. ISC responded that while fraud is rare, each case is reviewed individually, and serious concerns are referred to authorities like the RCMP. They cited a company removed from the Indigenous Business Directory (IBD) over issues related to the ArriveCan project. CANDO also raised concerns about delisted individuals forming new companies. ISC noted that the registration process includes cross-referencing and verifying community affiliation to prevent this
• CCC voiced apprehensions concerns about the administrative burden communities face when trying to participate in procurement opportunities. ISC acknowledged the feedback and said they are working to make the registration process more user-friendly, including improving the website. They indicated that registration can currently take up to a week and that discussions are ongoing with other departments to streamline reporting and reduce confusion caused by complex requirements
• CADSI asked whether changes are being made to the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB) to help meet targets. ISC responded that while no changes have gone to Cabinet yet, they are considering devolving the Indigenous Business Directory (IBD) to Indigenous partners and consolidating policies to simplify the process. They emphasized that any changes would be made carefully and not rushed
• CMC-Canada inquired about exceptions to the 5% procurement target. ISC explained that some contracts, especially those involving national security (e.g., with DND or CSIS), are exempt from reporting. Other exceptions are made when Indigenous suppliers are not available for specific goods or services, but these are meant to be rare and not used repeatedly. When asked if the guidelines are clear and audited, ISC said that the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) is currently working on an updated guidance

Vendor Performance Management Implementation Update

The Government co-chair invited PSPC-PSSS to provide updates on the vendor performance management implementation.

Presentation summary

The June 2025 Vendor Performance Management (VPM) presentation outlined the implementation of a new framework by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) to evaluate vendor performance using scorecards. VPM was launched in 2024 for professional services and is supported by SAP Ariba, a digital platform that enables transparent and consistent performance tracking.

The VPM framework is being phased in, starting with professional services and expanding to contracts over $100,000. Initially, vendor scores won’t affect bids, allowing time to test the system and set up a fair recourse process. Eventually, scores will factor into evaluations alongside technical and financial criteria. Vendors will get 90 days’ notice before scores are used and will receive guidance on accessing them in SAP Ariba. The aim is to strengthen vendor relationships, accountability, and procurement outcomes.

SAC members provided the following feedback:

• Before the discussion, PSPC-PSSS acknowledged industry interest in involving technical authorities in the Vendor Performance Management (VPM) process, while noting fairness concerns when exceptions occur outside contract terms. A challenge process now allows vendors to escalate issues up to the procurement ombud
• CMC-Canada asked for an update on how the VPM is performing. PSPC-PSSS responded that so far, only one file has gone through the full scoring process in VPM, with comments provided. They are planning to adjust in July so that the vendor will be able to see the comments. Overall, the system is working well, but there are some challenges with integrating VPM into supplier arrangements, which will be addressed later. PSPC-PSSS added that they will be working with PAC to engage the industry and are continuing to develop solutions as the process evolves
• CMC-Canada asked about the scale of the VPM pilot. PSPC-PSSS said 25 Requests for Proposals (RFPs) include VPM clauses, and it takes six months from RFP to contract, then time to go through the contract period to a score. The clauses are clearly communicated. The number of solicitations, with the new clauses is expected to grow over the summer. CGLCC raised concerns about scoring bias, the burden of challenges, and supplier deterrence. PSPC-PSSS acknowledged these issues, noting the challenge process is meant to address them, with early resolution preferred. The phased rollout will help refine the system. Suppliers will know how scores are assigned, and VPM encourages good communication between the supplier and contract authority. When it’s used in the selection process, it will weigh 5 – 25% in evaluations. CGLCC emphasized the importance of building a process that benefits everyone
• CAMSC then asked whether a low score could affect a vendor’s chances of winning future contracts. PSPC-PSSS clarified that one poor score won’t heavily impact vendors, but repeated low scores could, noting that it may require them to be more competitive in future bids. In some cases, the score could even help by highlighting areas for improvement

Artificial Intelligence at the service of government and businesses

The government co-chair invited Collège La Cité and the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) to give their presentation on artificial intelligence.

Presentation summary

Collège La Cité’s presentation explored how artificial intelligence (AI) can help governments and businesses become more effective and efficient. In procurement, AI can assist with supplier evaluations, spending analysis, and demand forecasting, but it requires high-quality data, clear processes, and human oversight for final decisions.

A practical roadmap includes identifying quick wins, preparing data, testing ideas through proof-of-concept projects, and continuously monitoring and improving. The key is to build internal AI skills while ensuring privacy and confidentiality is respected throughout the process.

The second presentation by TBS pivoted on the implementation of a new AI Strategy for the Federal Public Service (2025 – 2027) through a central AI Centre of Expertise to responsibly integrate artificial intelligence into government operations. A key policy, the Directive on Automated Decision-Making, sets rules for how departments can use AI systems, requiring risk assessments, transparency, quality control, and public reporting.

That strategy was shaped through consultations with public servants, industry, Indigenous organizations, and the public. It focuses on building trust, modernizing procurement, and preparing the workforce for AI. The overall goal is to make AI adoption safe, inclusive, and effective across the public service.

SAC members provided the following feedback:

• TECHNATION asked if the change in government might impact the federal AI strategy. TBS said core actions will likely continue, but limited resources could slow progress. Current efforts are based on existing resources and a two-year implementation plan, so will need an investment to implement quicker. Long-term success will need more investment in the foundation. They highlighted a secure translation platform in development as an example of AI’s potential in government
• CADSI expressed reservations about cloud infrastructure relying on outdated security classification like Protected B and asked if updates are underway to better support AI. TBS confirmed that modernizing security policy is part of their work and is actively in progress. CADSI welcomed the effort and offered to share documents, and TBS agreed, noting the current policy is outdated and needs to reflect recent advancements
• Collège La Cité outlined five key AI topics for discussion, including ethical privacy, workforce impact, and modernization, and asked the audience how AI is being used operationally. PSPC shared examples in procurement, such as chatbots helping business owners and AI integration through SAP Ariba and EPS for knowledge sharing and data analysis. They also noted a growing use of tools like Microsoft Copilot and the need to compare it with ChatGPT
• TBS noted that departments use various tools and that benefits are evolving but hard to fully capture. PSPC asked about comfort with digital platforms versus human interaction. CMC-Canada said consultants are generally comfortable with AI but unsure about proper use, citing risks with tools like ChatGPT. CFIB shared positive experiences using AI in tax policy but stressed the continued importance of human interaction
• CGLCC supported using AI to improve processes but emphasized the need for human oversight in SME contracts to avoid missed opportunities. CCC shared that their AI Council is exploring these issues, noting slow adoption but highlighting pilot projects and the importance of balancing AI with human input. They also flagged potential challenges about trust and careful implementation. Collège La Cité noted AI’s widespread use in coding but warned of ethical risks with proprietary code and asked about the feasibility of running private machine learning models
• The discussion shifted to focus on workforce implications and skill requirements. Collège La Cité noted rising demand for data science skills and stressed the need for human oversight. A question was raised about preparing graduates for an AI-driven job market. CFIB said small businesses often lack resources and compatibility for AI adoption. CCC pointed to skepticism and limited education as key barriers. TECHNATION suggested involving ESDC to support upskilling. PSPC added that updates on government AI use are forthcoming

Tariffs and Remission process

The government co-chair invited Finance Canada to present on tariffs and remission process.

Presentation summary

The presentation covered recent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and Canada’s response. Since March 2025, the U.S. imposed multiple tariff rounds—25% on most goods (10% for energy and potash), plus added tariffs on steel, aluminum, and autos—citing national security. In response, Canada applied 25% counter-tariffs on billions in U.S. imports, with some exemptions under CUSMA rules of origin.

To support Canadian businesses, the government introduced relief measures including tariff exclusions (Chapters 98 and 99), Duties Relief and Drawback programs, and a new remission framework for goods not sourced domestically. The first remission order, issued in April 2025 offers temporary relief for manufacturing, public health, and national security goods. Additional support includes financial aid, tax deferrals, and enhanced Employment Insurance programs to help businesses and workers manage the tariff impact.

SAC members provided the following feedback:

• TECHNATION thanked Finance Canada and asked if stakeholder calls would continue. Finance Canada confirmed they were still planned and noted they were managing three response lists, including one for steel and aluminum tariffs. CCC asked about timelines for remission decisions. Finance Canada said the high volume—around 700 requests—and political sensitivities make timelines uncertain, and focus has shifted from broad measures to individual cases
• In response to CMC-Canada’s inquiry about business feedback, Finance Canada emphasized their commitment to being as responsive as possible throughout the process. They noted that while specific criteria guide their assessments, some requestors may face challenges in having their requests addressed. Support options are being evaluated, including direct relief measures and tariff adjustments for businesses in difficulty. Finance Canada also acknowledged that businesses are responding slowly due to ongoing uncertainty and frustration. Even a six-month relief period can be difficult for some to manage, and while such measures may be unavoidable, it's important to recognize that impacts vary across different sectors
• AIAC asked about tracking requests, and Finance Canada noted they receive 15 – 20 daily, totaling around 700, and have expanded their team to manage the workload
• CFIB asked whether the process is specific to each business, particularly when two companies sell the same product. Finance Canada clarified that if the request concerns a product, it is treated horizontally meaning any business can claim it. However, if a company has a contract, the response is company-specific, with separate schedules for the company and the product. When asked whether horizontal, cross-industry measures come with a list, Finance Canada confirmed that no such list is provided
• CFIB also inquired about countermeasure revenues. Finance Canada said about $30 million could be collected, but the amount is uncertain due to complex remission processes. They noted that while real-time revenue data is accessible, it fluctuates and doesn’t directly align with program funding. In fact, the programs have already exceeded the revenue collected
• CANDO asked whether there is a list of industries or Indigenous businesses involved in trade. Finance Canada clarified that the list includes associations, not individual businesses, and that Global Affairs Canada may be able to share it. In response to a question from TECHNATION, Finance Canada clarified that customs notices will include all relevant details, including Harmonized System codes, and confirmed that customs notices are the best source of information
• PSPC-PAC asked how Canada’s support measures compare to those of other allies. Finance Canada responded that no other country has implemented tariff relief measures like Canada has in response to U.S. tariffs. While the U.S. has similar mechanisms, the scope is different and not directly comparable. Finally, CANDO asked about the impact of counter-tariffs from other countries. Finance Canada said they had studied China’s response to U.S. tariffs and Canada’s tariffs, and are considering the broader implications, noting that managing multiple trade disputes at once is particularly challenging

Government of Canada Greening Strategy

The government co-chair invited the Treasury Board Secretariat to present the government of Canada greening strategy.

Presentation summary

The Centre for Greening Government leads Canada’s strategy for sustainable federal operations, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. It supports departments with tools and funding to cut emissions from buildings, fleets, and procurement, while tracking and reporting progress—including a 42% reduction to date. The strategy also sets climate resilience goals and interim targets for safety and security operations.

Key updates to the 2024 strategy include expanding its scope to Crown corporations, strengthening decarbonization targets, and requiring suppliers to disclose GHG emissions and adopt science-based reduction targets for high-value contracts. Green procurement is central to this effort, with new standards requiring life-cycle assessments and carbon footprint disclosures in construction and large procurements to support a circular, climate-resilient economy and promote environmental responsibility.

SAC members provided the following feedback:

• AIAC asked whether foreign companies would be required to meet Canada’s standards and if Canada’s green commitments—such as achieving net-zero by 2030—could become trade barriers given the growing international pushback against environmental regulations. TBS responded that while environmental requirements are part of procurement criteria, they are not intended to be trade barriers because they are objective criteria. For example, Canada has gone out with multiple RFPs to procure low-carbon marine fuels. If it’s set as criteria, and Canadian companies can mee it, then it’s good. TBS also noted that while much of the international focus is on the U.S., there is significant activity in Europe and Asia as well
• CANDO asked if carbon credits are part of the strategy. TBS confirmed they are, with $10 million allocated for carbon removals, acknowledging credits will offset emissions that can't be fully eliminated. They also consider net-zero readiness when leasing buildings.
• TECHNATION asked about supply chain risk tools; TBS noted that climate data, including flood maps and fire predictive maps, is useful for identifying risks and mitigation planning.
• In response to PSPC’s question about provincial and territorial involvement in climate action, TBS noted collaboration with cities like Vancouver and Toronto, with federal climate standards being adopted locally, showing cross-jurisdictional alignment

Roundtable Discussion

AIAC asked for details on the new government’s proposed procurement agency, including its structure and whether it would fall under PSPC. CMC-Canada raised three points: seeking early engagement in AI initiatives, involvement in Task and solutions professional services (TSPS) modernization, and clarity on reducing consulting services amid government job cuts. TECHNATION supported these concerns and suggested a future meeting to discuss AI adoption and procurement tools in more depth.

CANDO and CADSI co-hosted a networking event with 90 attendees, including Indigenous suppliers and government representatives. They showcased how their bootcamps helped suppliers get ready to bid, leading to deals and MOUs. Feedback was very positive.

CFIB raised concerns about the Vendor Performance Management (VPM) framework, questioning whether industry consultations had taken place and expressing worry about its potentially one-sided impact on small businesses. CMC-Canada responded that VPM has been discussed for a long time, with BDO having led extensive consultations during the framework’s development. SAC later recommended adding a challenge function, which was incorporated. While there is still uncertainty, CMC-Canada noted that their members generally support VPM, as it helps address bad actors and improve industry reputation.

CFIB pointed out that the example used to illustrate poor performance was related to financing delays, often caused by slow government payments rather than supplier issues. They questioned how supplier performance is documented and whether the scoring system accounts for both sides. CMC-Canada replied that if the supplier industry wants to develop its own scoring system, it can do so, but the Government of Canada is unlikely to rate itself in the same way.

CGLCC asked for an update on supplier diversity, noting that no updates had been shared outside SAC meetings, since February. PSPC responded that there have been limited updates due to the focus on tariffs and the Buy Canada initiative. Efforts are underway to align supplier diversity with new ministerial directions, and a formal update is expected at the next meeting.

PSPC also discussed exploring trade flexibility, including set-asides for small businesses and promoting the use of Canadian raw materials like steel and aluminum. There is strong collaboration with provinces and territories, and ongoing work to clarify definitions—particularly what qualifies as a Canadian business. CFIB questioned whether there is a clear strategy or mandate. PSPC clarified that while there is no formal mandate, existing systems offer flexibility, such as including Canadian content in RFPs.

CADSI asked about legislative targets for SMEs in the Fall Economic Statement. PSPC noted that ISED is leading that work, and discussions are ongoing as part of the post-election transition planning.

The government co-chair reminded everyone about the next meeting on October 15, 2025. He also thanked them for their participation and asked the industry co-chair for her final word.

The industry co-chair mentioned that the co-chair position has yet to be confirmed. She thanked SAC members for the strong partnership and collaboration and encouraged them to leverage their platforms and work alongside the government.