CANADA IS BECOMING ITS OWN BEST CUSTOMER
Canada’s new government is strengthening our economy and supporting homegrown industries.
Today, Minister Joël Lightbound announced that the core elements of the Buy Canadian Policy are now in force — fundamentally changing how the federal government purchases goods and services.
In a rapidly changing global trade environment, Canada is making itself its own best customer — ensuring that public dollars strengthen domestic industries, support Canadian workers, and build a more resilient, diversified economy.
What’s changing
Effective today, the Government of Canada is implementing the Policy on Prioritizing Canadian Suppliers and Canadian Content in Strategic Procurement.
This policy gives a clear, measurable advantage to companies with a real footprint in Canada — businesses that invest here, employ Canadians, and contribute to local economies.
Federal procurements will now prioritize bids with greater Canadian content, including:
Manufacturing conducted in Canada
Canadian-based research and development
Domestic production and processing
Economic activity that occurs here at home
Priority will apply immediately to major federal procurements valued at $25 million and over, expanding to contracts valued at $5 million and above by spring 2026.
Canadian Materials for Canadian Projects
Also effective today:
Large federal construction and defence projects will require the use of Canadian-produced steel, aluminum, and wood products.
These materials must be manufactured or processed in Canada — not simply sold by Canadian companies — so that federal investments directly support domestic production.
This requirement applies to projects valued at $25 million or more, where at least $250,000 worth of these materials is required and Canadian supply is available.
