A new report released two weeks before the Canadian federal budget “recommends a simplified procurement process to recognize the needs of small businesses and companies operated by women.” The purpose of the government-sponsored report is to determine how women-owned businesses can best contribute to the Canadian economy. The study is projected to have the biggest support from the city of Ottawa which “could follow the lead of a U.S. model that sets aside procurement funds for women-owned businesses, said one expert who’s been consulting with the government on the issue.”
The initiative centers around Canada’s social procurement policy which looks to focus on local and diverse businesses to help improve the country’s future prospect in an inclusive and eco-friendly way. According to the Financial Post, “in recent weeks, Ottawa has reached out for industry feedback on how it could increase the diversity of bidders to include more women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and visible minorities.”
The report which was funded by the Bank of Montreal, Carleton University, the Beacon Agency and the federal government gave 40 recommendations including suggesting all levels of government creating procurement programs to provide opportunities to small and medium firms. “The study also called for supplier diversity policies for federal Crown corporations and agencies.”
