Compass Rose Group releases Smart Procurement Report
New report highlights actionable opportunities to strengthen delivery, accountability, and trust across Canada’s procurement system
Canada’s procurement system faces a critical opportunity to improve how it delivers results, with government and industry aligning on the need for faster, more effective, and outcomes-driven approaches.
Today, Compass Rose Group released the inaugural Smart Procurement Group (SPG) report, informed by perspectives from industry leaders. The report outlines practical, actionable strategies to optimize procurement across Canada and better align it with the country’s growth and productivity objectives.
The SPG report underscores that while meaningful reform efforts are underway, persistent challenges continue to limit the effectiveness of federal procurement. At the same time, procurement is being asked to do more, from strengthening Canadian supply chains and supporting digital transformation to delivering measurable results for Canadians.
The report recognizes that addressing these challenges will require ongoing efforts from the government, alongside a broader conversation on how industry can support a more transparent, fair, and effective procurement system.
“The procurement system is one of the most powerful levers governments have to drive economic growth and innovation,” said Kelly Hutchinson, Digital Government & Procurement Practice Lead at Compass Rose and founder of the Smart Procurement Group. “Through the SPG, we brought together leaders across the ecosystem to focus on practical, implementable solutions that can improve how the government buys, and ultimately how it delivers results for Canadians. This includes a shared responsibility across the ecosystem, with industry stepping forward as a collaborative partner in enabling more transparent, disciplined, and outcomes-focused procurement.”
The report focuses on improving transparency, consistency, and value for money, while accelerating a shift toward outcomes-based procurement and more modern, efficient delivery models. A central theme reinforced throughout the SPG’s work was that procurement reform must go beyond policy and process, and focus on execution, ensuring that goods and services are delivered effectively and generate real-world impact.
Originally launched in 2025, the SPG convened a group of leaders from across Canada’s technology sector to identify systemic barriers and develop actionable recommendations. Its work reflects the perspectives and experiences of participating organizations working within Canada’s procurement system and a collective commitment to improving it.
“Effective procurement is about more than process, it’s about enabling Canada to deliver on its priorities,” added Christian Roy, Strategic Advisor at Compass Rose and SPG Secretariat lead. “A more effective system will depend on continued collaboration and a shared commitment from both public and private sector participants to uphold integrity, deliver value for money, and build trust in how procurement is conducted.”
The report serves as a foundation for continued dialogue between government and industry, with its findings helping to inform upcoming discussions, including TECHNATION’s Smart Procurement event being held on March 31, 2026, where leaders will further explore practical solutions to strengthen Canada’s procurement system.
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Jessica Eritou
Public Affairs Counsellor, Communications