Government of Canada encouraging Indigenous participation in its response to COVID-19
Canada NewsWire
GATINEAU, QC, Sept. 21, 2020
GATINEAU, QC, Sept. 21, 2020 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring Canadians stay safe and healthy during the pandemic. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has been working with suppliers in Canada and internationally to aggressively purchase much-needed personal protective equipment and medical supplies to meet Canada's urgent needs as quickly as possible.
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, today announced that the Government of Canada signed contracts with 7 Indigenous companies that participated in a process limited to businesses led or owned by Indigenous individuals. These contracts, worth approximately $2.5 million in total, will provide 15 million disposable masks for the Essential Services Contingency Reserve (ESCR).
As the country gradually restarts the economy, essential services organizations that experience short-term gaps in their personal protective equipment and supplies can apply for the ESCR to avoid disruptions in services to citizens.
While Indigenous businesses have been part of the response from the outset of the pandemic, PSPC is encouraging a greater presence of Indigenous businesses and individuals in its supplier base.
Quotes
"Together with my department, we have been working to increase access to procurement opportunities for Indigenous businesses. These contracts will not only help protect Canadians by providing them with disposable masks, but also increase Indigenous participation in federal procurement."
The Honourable Anita Anand
Minister of Public Services and Procurement
Quick facts
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Supplying Canada's response to COVID-19
Essential Services Contingency Reserve
Supplying goods and services in support of Canada's response to COVID-19
Indigenous-owned company delivering essential goods to help all Canadians
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SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada