Public Works and Government Services Canada talks business with suppliers

October 28, 2011

On October 13, Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) hosted the inaugural Suppliers Summit in Gatineau, with the goal of reaching out to Canadian businesses.

It was the start of an important conversation on enhancing communications with the supplier community and on breaking down barriers faced by small and medium enterprises seeking to do business with the Government of Canada. This is just one avenue PWGSC is taking to continuously improve the way we buy goods and services.

“I’m excited about having these summits on a regular basis,” said Associate Deputy Minister Andrew Treusch, who hosted the meeting. “They represent the perfect opportunity for us to listen to suppliers and work together to solve problems. I know that the department will come out of these meetings as a better, smarter customer.”

During the course of the meeting, over a dozen industry association members, representing approximately 500,000 firms, had the chance to speak frankly about obstacles to doing business with the government, such as complicated processes, and provide feedback to enhance supplier engagement.

PWGSC employees listened to suppliers and committed to simplifying procurement; indeed, the department is already taking steps to streamline its procurement activities in response to the feedback it receives from businesses.

Attendees were given a demonstration of the many benefits of the new Buyandsell.gc.ca website, the one-stop shop for prospective Government of Canada suppliers.

This first Suppliers Summit was well-received by all in attendance, and we look forward to hosting more meetings on an ongoing basis as part of our pledge to engage meaningfully with suppliers.

If you have any questions about doing business with the Government of Canada, please visit Buyandsell.gc.ca, or call the Info Line at 1-800-811-1148.

Return to Features >