SoVote

Bill C-300

44th Parl. 1st Sess.

October 24, 2022

This bill, known as Bill C-300, aims to amend the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act, the Defence Production Act, and the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act. The purpose of these amendments is to give preference to Canadian products and services in government acquisitions and to provide financial support to provinces for the acquisition of Canadian products and services. The bill defines Canadian products as those that have at least 50% of their value manufactured, produced, or assembled in Canada, and Canadian services as those offered by Canadian citizens, permanent residents, Canadian government entities, Canadian corporations, and non-profit organizations with majority Canadian membership. The bill states that the Minister must prioritize Canadian products and services, unless it conflicts with Canada's obligations under international agreements. The Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act would provid

A steelman argument in favor of Bill C-300 would highlight the importance of supporting Canadian products and services for the benefit of the Canadian economy, job creation, and national security. By giving preference to Canadian products and services in government procurement, the bill aims to foster domestic industries, stimulate economic growth, and maintain self-sufficiency in key sectors. This preference would incentivize Canadian businesses to innovate and compete internationally, leading to increased productivity and global competitiveness. Additionally, prioritizing Canadian products and services can enhance national security by reducing dependency on foreign suppliers, thereby safeguarding critical infrastructure and supply chains. The bill also recognizes the significance of regional economic development by transferring funds to provinces for the purpose of promoting Canadian products and services. Overall, Bill C-300 seeks to

A steelman argument opposing this bill could argue that giving preference to Canadian products and services may limit the government's ability to acquire the best products and services available. Restricting procurement options to Canadian products and services may result in limited competition, potentially leading to higher costs and reduced quality. By prioritizing domestic products and services, the government may miss out on innovative solutions and advancements in technology that could be beneficial for various government departments. It could also result in a lack of diversity in the supply chain, leading to potential disruptions in the event of shortages or other unforeseen circumstances. Furthermore, this preference for Canadian products and services may violate Canada's obligations under international trade agreements and could potentially lead to disputes with foreign trading partners.