Carney Doubles Down While Alberta Backs Up

Politicians are making procurement promises faster than a Toronto driver changes lanes without signalling. While Carney promises to "Buy Canadian," Alberta's quietly backing away from its "Don't Buy American" stance. Meanwhile, NATO's over in Europe showing everyone how procurement could actually work if we wanted it to. Grab your double-double and buckle up for this week's policy rollercoaster:

ELECTION PROMISES: THE "MADE IN CANADA" DEFENSE PUSH

Liberal Campaign Pledges Defence Procurement Overhaul
Source: Global News | Date: April 14, 2025

What's Happening: Liberal leader Mark Carney is doubling down on Canadian defence procurement. The campaign pledge includes prioritizing domestic suppliers and creating a standalone defence procurement agency that would "consolidate expertise across the government and simplify the acquisition process for military equipment."

What It Means For You:

• Potential shift in evaluation criteria favouring Canadian content in defence contracts

• International contractors may need to establish/expand Canadian operations

• Centralization could streamline approval processes for complex military projects

• Similar commitments were made in 2015 and 2019 but never implemented

• Ongoing review of F-35 fighter jet acquisition, with possibility of dual-fleet approach

Between Us: Carney's telling quote says it all: "The priorities of the United States, which were once closely aligned with ours, have shifted. For far too long, military procurement has underperformed and been excessively dependent on the United States." Translation: Expect Canadian content requirements to increase regardless of who wins the election.

NATO MOVES AT LIGHTNING SPEED (FOR ONCE)

NATO's Six-Month AI Procurement Sets New Standard
Source: The Defense Post | Date: April 16, 2025

What's Happening: While Canadian procurement often crawls along, NATO just completed procurement of the Maven Smart System (MSS NATO), an AI-powered warfighting capability developed by Palantir, in just six months—one of NATO's fastest acquisitions ever.

What It Means For You:

• NATO demonstrating accelerated procurement cycles for critical technologies

• System supports intelligence fusion, targeting, situational awareness, and planning

• Allied Command Operations to begin using the system within 30 days

• Sets precedent for future rapid acquisitions, especially in AI and digital defense

Between Us: While Canadian politicians debate theoretical procurement reforms, NATO is actually implementing them. This six-month timeline for a complex AI system acquisition shows what's possible when procurement is prioritized.

U.S. PROCUREMENT GETS A MAKEOVER

Biden Administration Overhauls Federal Acquisition
Source: Dentons | Date: April 17, 2025

What's Happening: Executive Orders issued in April 2025 aim to dramatically simplify U.S. procurement. The "Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement" EO requires FAR amendments within 180 days focusing on simplicity, efficacy, and national security, while "Ensuring Commercial, Cost-Effective Solutions" EO mandates preference for commercial items over custom solutions.

What It Means For You:

• U.S. contractors face new compliance requirements as processes consolidate

• Increased preference for commercial solutions may favour innovative offerings

• International suppliers to U.S. government must monitor evolving regulations

• The GSA will take a more central role in procurement management

Between Us: The U.S. is moving to streamline procurement in ways that parallel what Canada is only discussing. The emphasis on commercial solutions could create opportunities for Canadian companies with market-tested technologies.

ALBERTA'S PROCUREMENT WHIPLASH

Alberta Pauses Anti-American Procurement Policy
Source: Global News | Date: April 17, 2025

What's Happening: Alberta is hitting pause on its anti-American procurement policy announced just last month. The decision comes "in the spirit of diplomacy" as the Trump administration puts a hold on further tariffs. However, Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally confirmed "the province will continue with its ban on buying American liquor and video lottery terminals."

What It Means For You:

• Creates uncertainty for U.S. companies bidding on Alberta government contracts

• Policy could be reinstated if trade relations deteriorate again

• Consumer-focused "buy local" advertising campaign continues uninterrupted

• Limited economic impact as liquor and VLT restrictions represent small portion of procurement

Between Us: Alberta's pause highlights the stop-start nature of these policies. The real message: be prepared for quick reversals based on diplomatic developments rather than procurement best practices.

YOUR PROCUREMENT ACTION PLAN

Document Your Canadian Content: With election promises focusing on domestic preference, thoroughly document your Canadian ownership, employment, supply chain, and manufacturing credentials.

Watch for Implementation Gaps: History suggests a significant gap between campaign promises and actual procurement changes. Plan for both rapid implementation and continued status quo.

Explore Commercial Adaptations: Both U.S. and Canadian initiatives emphasize commercial solutions over custom government builds. Position your offerings as commercial products with government applications.

Monitor Provincial Volatility: Alberta's policy pause demonstrates how quickly procurement policies can change at the provincial level. Build contingency plans for politically-motivated disruptions.

Study NATO's Speed Model: For defense contractors, NATO's six-month AI procurement offers valuable lessons in accelerated acquisition. Position your offerings for rapid procurement pathways.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The procurement landscape is becoming increasingly politicized, with campaign promises and trade tensions driving policy more than operational efficiency. Smart contractors will prepare for multiple scenarios while doubling down on documenting Canadian content and commercial applications.

Publicus helps government contractors find, qualify, and win more contracts with less effort. Our AI-powered platform monitors every opportunity across all government levels, so you never miss a relevant RFP again.