Ottawa Partner and Co-Leader of Fasken’s National Security Group, Marcia Mills, comments on Canada’s new policy aiming to regulate foreign access to federal contracts in an article published in The Hill Times.
She says the risks that vague definitions in the policy, particularly the obligation to have a physical business location in Canada, could result in the exclusion of some Canadian suppliers from federal procurement opportunities, and disregard social procurement policies.
“Small companies who have a unique talent or product, but no physical office in Canada could be negatively affected by the changes. That’s where I’ve got a concern about implementation, and I hope Canada revisits that definition and provides space for small, disadvantaged businesses to still gain access to procurement opportunities,” said Partner, Marcia Mills.
