Can EU companies bid on Canadian government tenders?

CETA was notable for opening procurement beyond Canada's federal government to provinces, territories and many municipalities and other public bodies, above thresholds that differ by type of buyer and are updated every two years. Below those thresholds, buyers follow Canadian rules and policies and can invite a few local suppliers instead.

Read these parts of every notice

• Trade agreements. CanadaBuys notices list the trade agreements that apply. If CETA or the GPA is listed, EU firms are covered.
• Eligibility. Some contracts are limited to Canadian suppliers or set aside under the federal Indigenous procurement strategy.
• Supply arrangements. Much federal IT is bought through supply arrangements such as TBIPS, where only qualified suppliers can bid on each request.
• Security. Federal contracts with security requirements need clearances through the Contract Security Program, which in practice usually needs a Canadian presence.
• Language. Some federal contracts require service in English and French, and Quebec buyers work in French.

Next step

Register as a supplier on CanadaBuys and on the provincial portals you care about, such as BC Bid, the Ontario Tenders Portal or SEAO in Quebec. Check the current thresholds on CanadaBuys before assuming a tender is covered. The Canada country guide covers each level of government.