Supplier Advisory Committee: Record of discussion, February 26, 2026

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

Meeting location:  Online (MS Team)

February 26th, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm ET

• Government co-chair: Public Service and Procurement Canada (PSPC), Procurement Branch (PB), Dominic Laporte, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister (A/AADM)
• Private Sector co-chair: CMC-Canada, Chris Harper, Executive Director

• Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC): Dwayne Lucas, Vice-President, Special Projects   
• Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI): Lorna Prosper, Special Advisor, Policy, delegate for Nicolas Todd
• Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB): Michelle Auger, Director, Trade and Marketplace Competitiveness, National Affairs
• Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB): Juliette Nicolay, Policy Analyst
• Women’s Business Enterprises Canada Council (WBE Canada): Jennifer Popowycz, Certification and Community Director, delegate for Georgette Zinaty
• Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC): David Pierce, Vice-President of Government Relations, delegate for Alex Greco
• Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC): Sarah Evalina, Chief operating officer, delegate for Darrell Schuurman
• Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (Cando): Ray Wanuch, Executive Director
• TECHNATION Canada: Cait Drouillard, Senior Director, Public Policy

• Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME): Ryan Greer, Vice-President, Public Affairs and National Policy 
• Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC): Cassandra Dorrington, President

• PSPC, PAC Pacific Region, Tess Menges, Acting Regional Director and Government co-chair of SAC Pacific Region
• PSPC, PAC Western Region, Andrea McLandress, Acting Regional Manager and Government co-chair and Shaun Hampton, the private sector co-chair from Red River Metis Business Development Corporation
• PSPC, PAC Ontario Region, Bo See Fok, A/Regional Director and the Private Sector Co-chair, Fred Nagy from Solutions In Context
• PSPC, PAC Quebec Region, Anne-Marie Signori, Regional Director and Government co-chair, and the Private Sector Co-chair, Steve Laveau from First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC)
• PSPC, PAC Atlantic Region, Robert Amstrong,  A/Regional Director and Government co-chair and the Private Sector Co-chair, Sam Sanderson from the Construction Association of Prince Edward Island (CAPEI) 
• PSPC, PAC  National Capital Region, Patrice Emery Bakong, Acting Regional Director and SAC co-chair.

• PSPC, Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC), Clinton Lawrence-Whyte, Director General (DG) 
• PSPC, Strategic Policy Sector (SPS), Levent Ozmutlu, Director General (DG)
• Treasury Board Secretary (TBS), Procurement, Materials & Communities Directorate, Emilio Franco, Executive Director (ED)
• PSPC, Strategic Policy Sector (SPS), Kelly Mackenzie, Senior Policy Advisor
• PSPC, Strategic Policy Sector (SPS), Jacob Oosterhoff, Policy Analyst
• TBS, Procurement, Materials & Communities Directorate, Kate Hoye, Senior Advisor
• TBS, Procurement, Materials & Communities Directorate, Catherine Rioux, Senior Advisor

• PSPC, Marie Claude Hurens, Senior Director
• PSPC, Aline Ngarukiyintwali, Manager
• PSPC, Alfred Ogbumor
• PSPC, Fresnel Devalon
• PSPC, Paula McLenaghan
• PSPC, Baaloon Nanang

The government co-chair welcomed everyone to this annual joint meeting of national and regional Supplier Advisory Committees. He acknowledged that the meeting was being coordinated from the unceded territory of the Anishinaabeg people, and invited everyone to participate in the official language of their choice. He thanked the industry co-chair for accepting the role on short notice and then, asked to conduct the roll call. 

PSPC highlighted the importance of the industry co chair role and noted that the nomination period is open. Members interested in the position are invited to submit an expression of interest to the SAC Secretariat. In line with the bylaws, all submissions will be reviewed, and a selection will be made once the full list of candidates is received.

SAC unanimously approved the records of discussion for the June 4th, September 5th and December 16th, 2025 meetings. 

The government co-chair invited PAC of PSPC to provide updates. 

PSPC reported that the Buy Canadian Policy is now in effect and highlighted ongoing efforts to help businesses understand its requirements. PAC delivered 12 engagement sessions across Canada and received over 100 emails with generally positive feedback and suggestions to improve accessibility. PSPC also consulted national industry associations across sectors such as steel, aluminum, lumber, construction, defence, and aerospace to inform them of the Policy on Prioritizing Canadian Materials in Federal Procurement. Industry partners expressed strong support for strengthening domestic supply chains, and PSPC continues to welcome feedback through the Buy Canadian webpage.

To date, 12 procurements have been issued under the new policy framework, representing an estimated $2.4 billion in planned activity. Future solicitations are expected to decrease in value from $25 million to $5 million to broaden opportunities and reflect ongoing feedback from the supplier community.

PSPC noted that the new Small and Medium Business Procurement Program (SMBPP) is being developed to create more opportunities for small businesses in federal procurement. PSPC also introduced the Procura Chatbot (Beta), which provides 24/7 general procurement guidance through CanadaBuys. 

SAC members provided the following feedback:

• AIAC raised concerns about sectors where key materials are not produced in Canada and asked whether gaps have been identified. PSPC explained that the Buy Canadian Policy includes a formal exemption process requiring justification and ministerial approval when materials are not available domestically. PSPC added that work is underway with clients and industry partners to better understand material availability, particularly in aerospace, steel, and aluminum and that procurement lists will be updated as tenders evolve. PSPC noted that a learning period is expected and emphasized ongoing engagement to adjust requirements as needed.
• CFIB asked about timelines for launching the Small Business Procurement Program (SBPP) and how it differs from existing PAC outreach. PSPC confirmed that the SBPP is targeted for spring and will include new tools such as potential set asides and dedicated procurement streams. PSPC clarified that the SBPP will provide options not currently available under PAC and is being co developed with ISED. CFIB also asked whether SAC members could review the program before launch, and PSPC committed to seeking SAC input as the work advances.
• CADSI requested clarification on how the Buy Canadian Policy may affect higher dollar value procurements, noting potential overlaps with other procurement objectives. PSPC responded that while some interactions exist, particularly for procurements over $25 million relating to materials such as steel, aluminum, and softwood lumber, the policy operates through evaluation mechanisms such as Canadian value added criteria and price incentives, and does not conflict with Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITBs).
• Cando asked how small and medium enterprise definitions will be applied within the SBPP, and whether the program will include capacity building supports for Indigenous suppliers. PSPC confirmed that the program’s development includes work on clear definitions, sector specific flexibility, and approaches that reduce administrative burden on small and diverse businesses. PSPC noted alignment with broader ecosystem needs and confirmed that training, development supports, and inclusive policy design remain key priorities.

The Government co-chair invited Regional SAC co‑chairs from all six regions to provide brief updates on their 2025 to 2026 activities and key challenges. 

The Quebec Region reported strong progress through a series of themed webinars supporting diverse entrepreneurs, hosting the Multilateral meeting on Government Procurement, and delivering an innovation focused SME Procurement Fair. The team exceeded its outreach targets, delivering 430 events and engaging more than 5,700 participants. Renewed committee membership strengthened collaboration and discussions.

The team outlined several achievements, including deeper collaboration with partners such as RFAQ, Québec International, Groupe 3737, Aéro Montréal, and the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal. The Region also highlighted ongoing challenges, including rapidly evolving policy directions without corresponding guidance, limited access to defence related information and expertise, and uncertainty related to organizational changes.

The Ontario Region outlined key 2025 to 2026 activities, including the SME Procurement Fair, the Small Business Diversity Forum, and the Small Business Information Expo. These initiatives connected diverse and small businesses with federal, provincial, and community partners and supported awareness of procurement opportunities and Buy Canadian objectives. The Region also advanced engagement with Dokis First Nation for the Portage Bridge project.

Achievements included strong partner collaboration and participation from more than 200 businesses, while challenges included the need for greater cross SAC coordination, the effort required for SMEs to navigate procurement, and persistent concerns about transparency, accessibility, and early engagement.

The Atlantic Region provided a brief overview of its 2026 activities, including the SME Procurement Fair, the Construction Procurement Fair, and major regional gatherings such as DEFSEC, the Mi’kmaq Business Summit, the Atlantic Provinces Reverse Tradeshow, and several industry specific conferences. These activities supported supplier awareness across key sectors and helped expand outreach to diverse communities by offering federal procurement information in accessible settings.

The Region noted engagement with 370 business representatives and 20 defence industry representatives, outreach to 550 Indigenous business representatives, and strengthened communication on procurement initiatives. Key challenges included costs associated with requirements such as green certifications, limited time for SMEs to respond to solicitations, and complex procurement language that remains difficult for suppliers to interpret.

The National Capital Region (NCR) reported recent outreach activities, including the SME Procurement Fair, the Small Business Information Expo, and targeted training for diverse supplier groups. Their SAC meeting addressed priority topics such as reciprocal procurement, vendor performance, green procurement, and alignment with Buy Canadian. NCR also advanced strategic engagements such as CanadaBuys training through the EU–Canada Access2Markets platform and participation in CANSEC.

The region also highlighted new partnerships and tailored programming, while challenges remain around Indigenous procurement barriers, access to financing for diverse suppliers, and the learning curve related to modernized digital procurement tools.

The Pacific Region outlined its 2025 to 2026 activities, including the Kelowna Small Business Innovation Expo and the Public Sector Buyers Expos in Victoria and Vancouver. These events brought together suppliers and partners from all levels of government, Crown corporations, and innovation organizations. Attendance ranged from 75 to 200 participants, with panel sessions featuring partners such as IDEaS, the Competition Bureau, BGIS, Seaspan, and Accelerate Okanagan. The Region also delivered two Buy Canadian sessions.

The Region emphasized the need for clearer insights into upcoming procurement needs and stronger links between suppliers and end users. Members highlighted the importance of helping businesses understand the types of solutions government seeks. Overall, the activities increased awareness of procurement opportunities, supported cross sector collaboration, and improved supplier readiness.

The Western Region outlined its year‑to‑date outreach, reaching 6,774 participants through 687 events across three provinces and two territories. The Region highlighted several major events, new partnerships, and the launch of training supported by FedStarter 10 funding.

Other achievements included partner seminars and use of technology to support SME participation related to the G7 Summit. Persistent challenges include complex procurement processes, requirements that are too large for smaller businesses, bonding obligations that limit participation, and the need to strengthen programs supporting under represented suppliers.

SAC members provided the following feedback:

• Cando asked how the impact of current initiatives will be measured and stressed the need for clear indicators and defined outcomes. PSPC confirmed that work is underway to establish baselines and key performance indicators to assess results for communities and suppliers. PSPC noted strong early engagement from Indigenous businesses and highlighted the need to show measurable impacts related to the Buy Canadian Policy. PSPC also proposed adding a future discussion on key initiatives at an upcoming SAC meeting to support supplier preparation and gather further feedback.
• Industry representatives from the Atlantic and Ontario regions emphasized the importance of receiving procurement information earlier and improving long term forecasting. They noted that timely insights and clearer distinction between recurring and one‑time procurements would support supplier planning, particularly for small businesses. Both regions highlighted the need for consistent dialogue between buyers and suppliers to strengthen capacity building. PSPC acknowledged these points and confirmed that future agendas will include opportunities to improve information sharing and long term planning.

The Government co-chair invited TBS and SPS of PSPC to make the presentation on the Harmonized Procurement Regulations (HPRs)

The presentation provided an update on the federal government’s development of the HPRs. The HPRs will consolidate the existing procurement rules into a single, clearer regulation to reduce overlap, improve consistency, and simplify requirements for suppliers. This work focuses on aligning current rules, increasing flexibility, and maintaining existing treaty obligations without making substantive policy changes.

The HPRs aim to improve clarity, efficiency, and predictability across federal procurement, with particular benefits for small and medium‑sized businesses. Suppliers can expect clearer statements of their rights and more consistent processes across departments, including changes to how bid‑challenge bodies review procurements. The federal government plans to pre‑publish the draft regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part I in summer 2026, followed by a 30‑day comment period, revisions in fall 2026, and targeted implementation in early 2027.

SAC members provided the following feedback:

• The government co‑chair emphasized that the Harmonized Procurement Regulations initiative is a major undertaking that will have a positive impact on federal procurement. The co‑chair noted that while the current rules are complex, this modernization effort is intended to streamline processes and improve accessibility for suppliers. The committee was assured that significant work is underway and that SAC members will continue to receive updates as the initiative progresses.

PSPC explained that PAC is being repositioned to align with the federal government’s focus on efficiencies and digital modernization. A new sector, Buy Canadian, SME, and Digital Solutions is being established and will become operational on April 1st, 2026. This sector will maintain PAC’s national presence, integrate a stronger digital delivery model, and continue supporting small businesses as they navigate the Buy Canadian Policy. PAC branding will be retained to preserve external recognition, with services delivered through a balanced approach that includes both in‑person and technology enabled engagement.

PSPC outlined the new structure, which will include two senior directors in Ottawa and two regionally based directors, as well as the team supporting CanadaBuys and the Electronic Procurement Solution. The government co‑chair noted that future engagement will place greater emphasis on large events rather than one‑on‑one interactions, with the goal of expanding outreach to new entrepreneurs through digital tools. The co‑chair acknowledged that the transition represents significant change but emphasized confidence in PAC’s leadership and committed to sharing more information once the new sector is launched.

The national government co-chair reminded everyone that the next meeting will be held in person on June 3rd, 2026. He encouraged SAC members to suggest new topics or themes for the agenda. 

The industry co-chair also thanked everyone for their contributions.