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ARTICLE · 03 APRIL 2025

Public Procurement 2024 Year In Review

McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault
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This year was one of significant developments (and some rebalancing) at the federal level. A new debarment policy increases risks for suppliers...

CanadaGovernment, Public Sector
McCarthy Tetrault LLP
McCarthy Tetrault LLP
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Key Developments at the Federal Level

This year was one of significant developments (and some rebalancing) at the federal level. A new debarment policy increases risks for suppliers, whereas Canada received reminders from the Federal Court of Appeal and the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (the "Tribunal") that it cannot act with high-handed impunity. On the other hand, groundbreaking jurisprudence regarding the national security exemption in the Canada Evidence Act reminds bidders that they are not necessarily entitled to all bid information in the context of a bid challenge.

CANADA'S NEW DEBARMENT POLICY

On May 31, 2024, a suite of changes to Canada's Integrity Regime came into force. The federal government established a new Office of Supplier Integrity and Compliance (the "OSIC") to administer a revised Ineligibility and Suspension Policy ("Policy"), which forms the core of the commitments and obligations of suppliers to maintain certain ethical

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