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The federal government's “Buy Canadian” policy comes into effect Tuesday, and Ottawa says it will fundamentally change the way people purchase goods and services.
The strategy, announced earlier in the fall, is designed to ensure Canadian products and workers are prioritized in federal procurement decisions.
This applies to new major government projects and housing, defense procurement, and public infrastructure projects financed by the federal government.
The first phase of the policy, which takes effect today, requires contracts worth $25 million or more to give priority to Canadian business and materials.
It also requires Canadian steel, aluminum and wood products manufactured or processed in Canada to be used in construction and defense projects, bolstering industries hit hard by U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war.
Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound says the federal government is “putting Canadian workers and industry first” through the policy, and that it will help ensure Canadian supply chains remain strong.
