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