Government of Canada Increases Opportunities for Small and Medium Sized Businesses to Access Federal Procurement

GATINEAU, QUEBEC – Sept. 23, 2009 – The Government of Canada today announced the implementation of a new method of supply for the procurement of office furniture to increase small and medium sized enterprises’ (SMEs) access to government procurement.”The Government of Canada is committed to cutting red tape, streamlining procurement and, most importantly, providing greater access for this country’s growing number of SMEs,” said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services. “This new approach will provide multiple and continuous opportunities for businesses of all sizes to become suppliers to the federal government.”

The government is a major purchaser of furniture-buying approximately $145 million worth of office furniture annually, which represents a significant portion of the national market share. The modification is designed to increase competition by qualifying more suppliers as well as allowing unsuccessful suppliers to re-qualify on a regular basis.

“Local businesses are the backbone of this economy-critical to Canada’s prosperity and our economic recovery,” added Minister Paradis. “Now more than ever it is imperative to ensure SMEs have access to federal contracts. By simplifying our procurement processes we have made it easier for businesses to provide products and services to the government while delivering more cost effective results for Canadian taxpayers.”

“I am very pleased that these new policies have been put forward,” said Barry Payne, President of Adirondack Technologies Furniture Inc. “As a First Nations’ business operating through the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business Program, these new polices will allow Aboriginal businesses to compete for government procurement contracts on a level playing field. This is an excellent example of how our government is listening to small business and implementing key changes that will stimulate our economy and give Aboriginal businesses a chance to succeed.”

The proposed new method of supply will be discussed at the upcoming meeting of the Government Office Furniture Advisory Committee in September 2009 in order to solicit advice and feedback directly from industry and suppliers.

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For more information, please contact
Office of Minister Paradis
Mary-Ann Dewey-Plante
Press Secretary
613-218-6961

or

Public Works and Government Services Canada
Media Relations Unit
819-956-2315