QUESTION PERIOD — Finance
Buy Canadian
March 12, 2026
Government Representative, we know that the Government of Canada has strengthened its “Buy Canadian” policy to help Canadian businesses get through these turbulent times. We also know that it intends to use Canadian materials whenever possible to build certain major projects, such as the high-speed train.
I recently participated in meetings with representatives of the agricultural sector, and they were concerned. They want to know if the Government of Canada has a similar approach for public contracts to supply Canadian agri-food products to institutions under federal jurisdiction.
For example, for the food served in prisons and the army, does the government have a procurement policy for Canadian agri‑food products and Canadian raw ingredients used to make those products?
That’s a very specific question about food products, senator.
The policy applies to four types of procurement: construction, goods, services, and services related to goods, particularly for the agricultural sector. Last year, the government announced the “Buy Canadian” policy as part of a suite of measures to protect, develop and transform strategic Canadian industries. That includes the agricultural sector, where the focus is on biofuels.
Your question is much more specifically about processed foods. I will bring your question to the attention of the government officials responsible for agri-food products, including in the penitentiary system. I’ll get back to you with more detailed information.
Thank you, Senator Moreau; it’s much appreciated.
My question was about more than just prisons. I used prisons as an example. May I ask you to ensure that such a policy is a priority for the Canadian government, if that’s not already the case, and if not, to suggest it to the government in order to support our industry? Thank you.
Thank you for the suggestion. Generally speaking, the idea behind the “Buy Canadian” policy is to favour Canadian products over a strictly price-based model. You know this area very well, so I don’t need to go into detail.
Yes, I will pass on your suggestion, and I believe this policy should apply broadly across the government, which is one of the largest purchasers of Canadian products, in order to strengthen our economy.
