CCIB Aligns with Procurement Ombudsman’s Call for Indigenous Procurement Reform

Event summary

  • The Procurement Ombudsman’s report, released March 2026, calls for systemic improvements in federal Indigenous procurement, aligning with CCIB’s decade-long advocacy.
  • CCIB supports three key recommendations: a comprehensive Indigenous procurement policy, an Indigenous-led recourse mechanism, and accurate reporting of the 5% procurement target.
  • CCIB proposes solutions like its Certified Indigenous Business (CIB) program and Supply Change™ platform to address gaps identified in the report.
  • The report highlights structural issues in procurement that hinder meaningful economic outcomes for Indigenous businesses.

The big picture

The Procurement Ombudsman’s findings underscore long-standing systemic barriers in federal Indigenous procurement, echoing CCIB’s advocacy for transparency and accountability. The report’s recommendations, if actioned, could reshape procurement practices, ensuring that Indigenous businesses—not just subcontractors—benefit from government contracts. This aligns with broader trends toward equitable economic participation and governance reform in Indigenous economic development.

What we're watching

Policy Implementation
Whether Indigenous Services Canada will expedite a consolidated procurement policy and how quickly it can be enacted.
Trust & Oversight
The effectiveness of an Indigenous-led recourse mechanism in ensuring fair procurement practices.
Economic Impact
The pace at which accurate reporting of the 5% target will translate into tangible economic benefits for Indigenous businesses.