I was pleased to join my colleague Hon. Anita Anand, MP for Oakville, and Tabatha Bull, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) in Toronto this morning to announce new and immediate measures to increase federal procurement opportunities for Indigenous businesses across Canada. Through collaboration between Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS), our government is implementing a mandatory requirement for federal departments and agencies to ensure a minimum of 5% of the total value of contracts are held by Indigenous businesses, ensuring First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses increased access to government contracts, and creating more opportunities for Indigenous-owned businesses. This is a pivotal moment in harnessing the potential of the Indigenous economy. It is important that our government procures and supports a diverse portfolio of Canadian businesses. By increasing Indigenous representation in the overall Canadian economy, it will not only offer new and exciting opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs, but will benefit all of Canada thanks to a more competitive and inclusive procurement process. As we start to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, our government is more than ever committed to building a better, more inclusive, and sustainable future. Today’s announcement will support capacity development and greater economic prosperity for Indigenous communities.

свернуть