Joint summary of discussions following the second meeting of the government procurement specialised committee established by the Trade Continuity Agreement (TCA) between Canada and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK)

March 30, 2023, Ottawa, and London (via videoconference)

The second meeting of the Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement (TCA) Government Procurement Specialised Committee took place on March 30, 2023, via videoconference.

1. Opening remarks/introductions

Following introductions and a welcome, both Parties highlighted the continued collaboration between Canada and the UK in the area of government procurement policy and the importance of ensuring open, fair, and transparent procurement markets.

2. Adoption of the agenda

The agenda was adopted.

3. Adoption of the Rules of Procedure (RoP)

The Parties agreed to apply mutatis mutandis the Rules of Procedure of the Canada-UK Joint Committee to the Government Procurement Specialised Committee.  

4. Discussion on data sharing

Discussion on data sharing article and obligations, with data collection and collating best practice shared by the UK.

Presentation from UK:

The UK provided an overview of the systems and tools it uses to collect procurement data, noting the obligations under the Canada-UK TCA on the collection and reporting of government procurement statistics. The UK recalled that it presented and gave a live demonstration of its new Find a Tender procurement site to the Committee last year and provided a detailed overview of how it uses this site to gather and collect the data required to meet its government procurement reporting obligations. The UK noted that its ability to draw data is supported by domestic regulations that require the publication of information at certain key points in the procurement process. The UK highlighted further improvements, including on transparency, that are included in the UK’s new Procurement Bill.   

The Parties discussed potential challenges in the area of data collection and reporting. Canada provided an update on its collection and reporting of procurement statistics and noted that sub-federal procurement data is collected by each province and territory, and is then provided to the federal government for reporting.

5. Canada reciprocity update

Canada to provide an update on the previously launched public consultations on reciprocal procurement policies.

Presentation from Canada:

Canada provided an overview of the 2021 Budget commitment to pursue reciprocal procurement policies and an update on the public consultations that closed on May 30, 2022, seeking stakeholders’ views on potential approaches to implement reciprocal procurement policies in Canada.  Canada also noted that Budget 2023 contains a commitment to undertake further engagement with stakeholders on proposed reciprocal procurement measures.  

The UK stated they would welcome an update when the results of consultations are published.

6. Canada single point of access update

Canada to provide an update on the implementation of Canada Buys and a live demonstration.

Presentation from Canada:

Canada introduced and gave a live demonstration of its new tendering platform, CanadaBuys, which was fully launched in fall 2022. CanadaBuys is the single point of access for all public sector tenders covered by the TCA.  Canada noted the availability of and provided the link for Procurement Assistance Canada seminars and events that are designed to assist suppliers transition to the new site. 

The UK expressed an interest in learning more about the site and having a further demonstration with Canada at a future date.

7. UK Procurement Bill update

The UK to provide an update on the recent Procurement Bill.

UK presentation:

The UK provided a high-level overview of the upcoming reforms to its procurement regime. The UK indicated that following its exit from the EU and extensive consultations, the Procurement Bill was introduced to Parliament in May 2022. The UK highlighted a number of key areas, including reforms that aim to simplify procuring procedures and improve transparency. The UK provided Canada with links for further information.

8. Any Other Business (AOB)

The Parties discussed next steps and timing for the next Committee meeting. The UK inquired about a non-compliance court case brought forward by Thales DIS Canada Inc. (“Thales DIS”) in the province of Ontario. Canada was unable to discuss the challenge due to the court case being re-opened. The case is due to be presented at the Ontario court of appeal in early June.

9. Closing remarks

Canada and the UK both expressed appreciation for the opportunity and productive discussions.