By Sonal Gupta, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Canada’s National Observer\u00a0 The Department of National Defence is far behind its Indigenous procurement target \u2014 a result industry insiders say has little to do with a lack of Indigenous suppliers and more with systemic barriers ingrained within the procurement system itself. The department manages billions of dollars in contracts, but reported Indigenous procurement at just 2.5 per cent for the 2023-24 fiscal year, falling far short of the government\u2019s five per cent target due to complex certification requirements, lengthy security clearances and demanding bid processes, Indigenous leaders and procurement experts said. \u200b\u200b\u201cIndigenous businesses are ready, willing, and able to supply defence projects \u2014 which are often located on or near their territories,\u201d said Shannin Metatawabin, CEO of National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association… <\/p>\n
By Sonal Gupta, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Canada’s National Observer\u00a0 The Department of National Defence is far behind its Indigenous procurement target \u2014 a result industry insiders say has little to do with a lack of Indigenous suppliers and more with systemic barriers ingrained within the procurement system itself. The department manages billions of dollars in contracts, but reported Indigenous procurement at just 2.5 per cent for the 2023-24 fiscal year, falling far short of the government\u2019s five per cent target due to complex certification requirements, lengthy security clearances and demanding bid processes, Indigenous leaders and procurement experts said. \u200b\u200b\u201cIndigenous businesses are ready, willing, and able to supply defence projects \u2014 which are often located on or near their territories,\u201d said Shannin Metatawabin, CEO of National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association... <\/p>\n