Joël Lightbound, federal minister of government transformation, public works, and procurement, and Mélanie Joly, federal minister of industry, have announced the launch of the first series of measures under the new Small Business Procurement Program (SBPP).
“The launch of the Small Business Procurement Program is an important step for Canadian entrepreneurs and small businesses,” said Rechie Valdez, Canada’s minister of women and gender equality and secretary of state (small business and tourism), in a news release.
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) explained that the new measures aim to address small businesses’ input and concerns regarding the complexity, cost, and time needed to engage in federal procurement.
“Small businesses are central to Canada’s economy, and today’s launch of the first measures under the Buy Canadian Small Business Procurement Program is a real turning point,” said Lightbound, who also serves as Quebec lieutenant, in PSPC’s news release.
“Canadian small businesses are the engine of our economy, creating good-paying jobs and supporting critical industries across the country,” added Joly, who is also minister responsible for Canada economic development for Quebec regions.
According to PSPC, the new measures seek to help small businesses:
- Gain better access to federal opportunities
- Face lower barriers to federal contracting
- Go through streamlined and modernized procurement processes
- Undergo a more predictable and efficient procurement experience
- Successfully compete for government work
- Play a stronger role in tackling federal priorities
PSPC added that the new measures also aim to:
- Expand Buy Canadian measures
- Decrease complexity in the process
- Shorten bid preparation periods
- Spur growth
- Generate jobs
- Make the economy and domestic supply chains more resilient
Innovative Solutions Canada program
In collaboration with the SBBP, Innovation, Science, and Economic Development (ISED) will utilize the Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) program to link up Canada’s departments with small businesses and innovators for the development, testing, validation, and commercialization of their innovative technologies.
Under the ISC program, which is backed by $79.9 million in funding spread over five years, an innovation pathway into federal procurement seeks to assist the Canadian government in meeting its operational needs and to help the country’s small businesses:
- Access innovation-focused procurement opportunities
- Secure contracts
- Demonstrate their products at scale
- Establish the track record required to venture into new domestic and international markets