Compass Rose Launches Smart Procurement Group to Lead Canada’s Next Era of Government Procurement Reform
SPG unites technology leaders, policy experts, and service providers to develop actionable reforms for Canada’s procurement landscape
OTTAWA — October 29, 2025 — Compass Rose Group’s Digital Government and Procurement Practice is proud to announce the launch of its Smart Procurement Group (SPG), a cross-sector initiative dedicated to accelerating procurement reform in the Government of Canada, with plans to share findings and best practices with provincial and territorial governments across the country.
Led by Kelly Hutchinson ー Practice Lead and veteran digital government and procurement strategist ー the SPG convenes leaders in digital transformation, procurement strategy, and public service delivery to help governments buy and deliver smarter — improving services for Canadians and supporting economic growth.
“From small and medium businesses nationwide to Canadian and foreign multinational service providers, most organizations face many of the same roadblocks when working with the government, no matter if it’s a technology product, an AI solution or an IT service being delivered,” said Kelly Hutchinson. “This is why we created the SPG, to not only help all of our clients tackle similar challenges but also invite others to get involved so that the Group is reflective of the full supply chain. The SPG will propose practical changes where it matters most — procurement policy, service standards, and structures that enable faster, better, more secure delivery of services to Canadians.”
Bringing together leaders from Canada’s tech ecosystem and public policy community, including former public office holders, the SPG will focus on identifying systemic barriers — such as outdated processes and rigid contracting that slow the delivery of digital and technology solutions — and on proposing practical ways to modernize procurement, including more agile, inclusive, and outcome-focused models.
The SPG’s approach differs from a traditional association that convenes members to distill perspectives shared with governments; instead, the Group will draft policies, terms, and conditions that can then be socialized with industry, tested, and implemented — thereby accelerating the process. Those perspectives and insights will be reflected in the SPG’s inaugural Smart Procurement Group Report, set for release in January 2026.
Supporting Hutchison and the SPG’s strategic direction is Christian Roy, a former senior legal executive. Roy spent 30 years with the Government of Canada, leading legal teams in Public Safety, Defence and Immigration, as well as Health during the COVID pandemic. His expertise in government operations, procurement law and national security frameworks makes him a key asset to clients navigating complex policy and regulatory environments. Roy’s ability to bridge legal and operational priorities helps SPG members align with government objectives and advance meaningful reform. As a Strategic Advisor at Compass Rose, Roy saw firsthand how private sector clients struggled to navigate government procurement and was driven to find practical ways to bridge the gap between the two sectors.
The SPG report will outline actionable recommendations related to procurement processes, policies, programs, contracting terms and conditions, structures, and governance. The group will pay particular attention to inclusion and agility, along with improvements to programs like Indigenous Participation and the Canadian Collaborative Procurement Initiative.
The procurement system touches everything — from national security and public health to economic development and digital inclusion,” adds Roy. “If we optimize it, the benefits to Canadians are enormous. The SPG is focused on moving beyond problem identification. We’re here to help drive solutions and support the government and industry in realizing real, measurable change.”
With the federal government signalling a strong commitment to procurement modernization and a made-in-Canada approach to digital strategy, the SPG’s launch comes at a pivotal time.
For media inquiries, interviews, or to learn more about the SPG, contact:
Jessica Eritou
Public Affairs Counsellor, Communications