What the Canadian Government’s “Buy Canadian Policy” Means for WBEs

WBE Canada is pleased to share the following article from Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), regarding the Government’s recently announced “Buy Canadian Policy”. As details unfold in the coming months, WBE Canada looks forward to working with PSPC as we ensure our WBE Community is continually informed and updated as to the many opportunities that lay ahead for Canadian suppliers and especially women-owned businesses.

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“On September 5, 2025, the Government of Canada announced new measures to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries. Central to this plan is the introduction of a new Buy Canadian Policy, designed to make Canada’s economy stronger, more resilient to global shocks, and better able to support Canadian workers and businesses.”

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) will strengthen opportunities for Canadian businesses in federal procurement by:

1. Prioritizing Canadian Suppliers and Inputs.  By November 2025, Canadian suppliers and inputs will be prioritized in federal contracts. PSPC will also launch a new Policy on Prioritizing Canadian Materials in Federal Procurement that will require suppliers to source key materials — such as Canadian steel and softwood lumber — from Canadian companies in defence and construction procurements above a set threshold.
2. Requiring Local Content. The Government of Canada will implement new measures to require local content in federal procurements, ensuring that Canadian businesses and workers benefit from federal spending. This approach will help strengthen Canadian supply chains and maximize domestic economic benefits, even when foreign suppliers are involved.
3. Strengthening Reciprocal Procurement. The Interim Policy on Reciprocal Procurement is already in place, ensuring equitable market access by prioritizing suppliers from Canada and countries with reciprocal trade agreements. It will be fully implemented by spring 2026, limiting non-defence contracts to Canadian suppliers and goods, or those from Canada’s trusted trading partners.
4. Supporting Small and Medium Enterprises. A new Small and Medium Business Procurement Program will create tailored streams for SMEs, provide dedicated support to help them navigate the federal system, and ensure they can compete effectively for federal contracts.

Over the coming months, sessions will be available to give Canadian businesses the practical tools, insights, and strategies needed to take advantage of the new measures and grow opportunities as prime contractors, subcontractors, or supply-chain partners. Further details will be available shortly on CanadaBuys.

PSPC will also keep the supplier community informed as they develop the implementation details, ensuring that businesses have the clarity and support they need to plan ahead.

PSPC looks forward to working with all Canadian suppliers including women-owned businesses  to make the Buy Canadian Policy a success — for Canadian businesses, Canadian workers, and the Canadian economy.

Communications – Procurement Assistance Canada
Public Services and Procurement Canada | Government of Canada
PAC Engagement Canada.ca/PAC
Note: The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises has changed its name to Procurement Assistance Canada.

For more information, visit www.wbecanada.ca.
Media inquiries: Marketing team, marketing@wbecanada.ca

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