Question Period Notes
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Public Services and Procurement Canada’s (PSPC) Crown-owned building portfolio (excluding housing) is achieving results in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and towards becoming net-zero carbon, in response to the Greening Government Strategy (GGS). The department is also achieving results toward zero plastic waste.
In the fast-paced and constantly evolving marketplace to secure necessary products and supplies to support the Government of Canada’s response to the pandemic, questions may arise as to the measures that Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has in place to protect the integrity of the federal procurement system during this period.
The global nature of supply chains puts procurements at the potential risk of the goods having been produced using forced labour and human trafficking.
Notes:
- all questions regarding the import prohibition of goods that are mined, manufactured or produced by forced labour should be directed to the Minister of Public Safety, as the Minister responsible for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
- Supermax forced labour allegations is now a standalone QP note
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) put in place 32 contracts with 13 suppliers for nitrile gloves beginning in March 2020. Globally, the majority of nitrile gloves are manufactured in Malaysia, a country where there have been noted instances of forced labour. In December 2020, it was brought to PSPC’s attention that there was a possible forced labour issue with suppliers in Malaysia and actions were taken to remind suppliers of their obligations. In October 2021, PSPC received information of allegations indicating the use of forced labour in Supermax Healthcare Canada’s manufacturing operations in Malaysia. Following discussions, Canada and Supermax Healthcare Canada mutually agreed in December 2021 to terminate two contracts for nitrile gloves manufactured in Malaysia.
Note: All questions regarding the import prohibition of goods that are mined, manufactured or produced by forced labour should be directed to the Minister of Public Safety, as the Minister responsible for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
As part of the Government of Canada’s reaffirmed commitment to invest in Canada’s military, as announced in the 2017 Defence Policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government launched an open and transparent competition in December 2017 to permanently replace Canada’s fighter fleet with 88 advanced jets—the Future Fighter Capability Project.
Notes:
- All questions related to capability gap, security and interoperability requirements, costs, and Canada’s participation in the Joint Strike Fighter Program should be answered by the Minister of National Defence
- All questions related to the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy and the assessment of bidders’ impact on Canada’s economic interests should be answered by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
- All questions related to trade issues should be answered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs
As part of the Government of Canada’s reaffirmed commitment to invest in Canada’s military, as announced in the 2017 Defence Policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government launched an open and transparent competition in December 2020 to replace Canada’s CC-150 Polaris fleet — the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) Project.
Notes:
- All questions related to capability gap, security, interoperability requirements and costs should be answered by the Minister of National Defence
- All questions related to the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy and the assessment of bidders’ impact on Canada’s economic interests should be answered by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
The Official Residences of Canada: 2021 Asset Portfolio Condition Report was released by the National Capital Commission (NCC) on June 23, 2021, and identified a requirement for a one-time injection of $175 million over 10 years to address the deferred maintenance deficit for all 6 official residences.
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is the federal government’s administrator of real property and is responsible for approximately 6 million square metres (m²) of rentable office space across Canada. Studies undertaken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic showed that existing office space was underutilized by at least 40%, and considered inefficient with annual operating and maintenance costs of approximately $2.4 billion.
By enabling a hybrid model of work, PSPC has an opportunity to optimize and modernize the portfolio, transform the public service, stimulate regional economies, increase inclusivity and accessibility, support reconciliation, and contribute significantly to the greening efforts of the Government of Canada.
This note focuses on vendor support on the Phoenix file (IBM / Innovation Challenge) as well as other pay stabilization procurement initiatives.
Note: All questions related to Next Generation Human Resources and Pay solution are in a separate question period card developed by Shared Services Canada
Public Service and Procurement Canada’s Translation Bureau continues to work with the House Administration, Senate Administration and all partners to support Parliament’s virtual sittings and to ensure capacity while faced with an unprecedented volume of remote interpretation requests and a worldwide shortage in the interpretation profession.