News

The federal government is planning a major new data centre in the National Capital Region. Defence Construction Canada (DCC) has issued an advance procurement notice for the project, giving design-builders early warning of an upcoming contract with an estimated cost of $1.5 billion to $1.8 billion. The tender itself is not expected until 2027. What the notice says Project: Design and construction of a data centre facility in the Ottawa area. Estimated cost: $1.5 billion to $1

On September 25, 2026, Canada's Defence Investment Agency (DIA) and Swedish defence company Saab signed a non-binding term sheet for the proposed purchase of six GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force. The procurement has an expected funding envelope of more than $5 billion, making it one of the largest defence projects now in negotiation. What was signed (and what was not) This is a step toward a contract, not the contract itse

On September 3, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the largest investment in VIA Rail's history: more than $4.7 billion for VIA Rail to acquire and maintain 313 new passenger rail cars from Alstom Canada. The announcement was made in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and it stands out as one of the largest federal rail procurements in a generation. What was announced Value: More than $4.7 billion in federal funding. Alstom reports the total splits into roughly $4 billion for the

Canada has just locked in the biggest shipbuilding contract in Quebec's history. On August 24, 2026, in Levis, Quebec, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a deal worth more than $11 billion to build six new program icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard, with construction handled entirely by Chantier Davie Canada Inc. What's in the Deal All six vessels will be built at the Davie Shipyard in Levis. The government is framing the contract as part of a broader "Buy Canadian" p

Canada has officially joined the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an Observer, marking the first expansion of the trilateral sixth-generation fighter jet initiative led by Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The announcement came out of a meeting in London on July 21, 2026, between Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro, UK Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting, and Canadian Minister of National Defence David J. McGui

Prime Minister Mark Carney has chosen Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), bid jointly with Norway, to build Canada's new fleet of 12 submarines. Carney called it the "best platform and partnership" for Canada, closing out a competition that had come down to TKMS and South Korea's Hanwha Ocean. The decision is one of the largest defence procurements in Canadian history. The deal TKMS will supply Type 212CD submarines, with Germany and Norway reportedly reallocating p

Canada’s next wave of major infrastructure development may be taking shape in the North. The federal government has initiated the process to potentially list three major projects as developments of national interest: the Mackenzie Valley Highway, the Grays Bay Road and Port Project, and the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s Deep Geological Repository. If listed under the Building Canada Act, these projects could move through a more coordinated federal review process. Th

The Government of Canada just updated its Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, and for once, the changes actually favour smaller Canadian companies. Here's what changed, and what it means for your team.

Canadian SMEs have a real opportunity to win more federal government contracts under the Buy Canadian policy and Defence Industrial Strategy — but only if they adapt. With a new Build–Partner–Buy framework, ten sovereign capability priority areas, and over $6 billion in SME funding, the rules have changed. Here are five practical steps to strengthen your bids, align with federal procurement priorities, and compete for Canadian government tenders and defence contracts.

Canada's new Buy Canadian Policy (launched December 2025) is reshaping federal procurement to prioritize Canadian suppliers and domestically produced goods. Key changes include requirements to source materials like steel, aluminum, and softwood lumber from Canadian producers on major defence and construction contracts, local content requirements in bids, and reciprocal procurement rules that limit contracts to Canadian suppliers or those from countries with equivalent trade a

For many Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises, growth is not limited by ideas or ambition. It is limited by access to the right funding, support programs, and procurement pathways. The challenge is not whether programs exist. It is knowing where to look, how to qualify, and how to act quickly enough to benefit. The Government of Canada offers a wide range of funding and support initiatives designed to help SMEs scale, innovate, export, and compete in public sector mark

The Government of Canada is reshaping how it works with the private sector. In the coming years, it’s focusing less on one-off contracts and more on strategic partnerships — collaborations that drive innovation, sustainability, and inclusion. Whether you’re a prime contractor, a startup, or an Indigenous business, knowing what kinds of partnerships the federal government values can help position you for success. 1. Indigenous and Community Partnerships Canada’s 5% Indigenous

For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), government and corporate procurement can feel like an exclusive club reserved for major firms. But that’s changing fast. Recent federal initiatives and digital platforms like Bids Advantage are making procurement more accessible, transparent, and competitive for SMBs across Canada. 1. The Opportunity for SMBs Over 90% of Canadian businesses fall into the small or medium category, yet only a fraction consistently bid on public co

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that Indigenous businesses and communities are meaningfully included in federal procurement. This commitment has evolved from voluntary participation targets to formal Indigenous procurement requirements that vendors must understand to stay compliant and competitive. 1. The 5% Indigenous Procurement Target In 2021, the federal government announced a mandatory 5% target — meaning that at least 5% of the total value of federal

When it comes to federal procurement, ITB no longer stands just for “Invitation to Bid.” In the Canadian context, Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) represents a critical policy framework that ensures government defense and security contracts create lasting economic value within Canada. The ITB Policy is managed by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and applies primarily to major defense and aerospace procurements. Its goal is simple but am

Procurement in Canada is entering a period of rapid modernization. With digital transformation, sustainability mandates, and new trade thresholds taking effect, the way organizations source goods and services is shifting fast. Here’s what vendors and business development teams need to know for 2025–2026. 1. Greater Emphasis on Digital Procurement Federal and provincial agencies continue to adopt online tendering portals as standard practice. PSPC’s buyandsell.gc.ca is being