Thank you, Mr. Chair.
As per the Treasury Board Directive on the Management of Procurement, Public Services and Procurement Canada is responsible for developing operational tools to support procurement undertaken on behalf of other government departments, such as guidance, templates and standard contract clauses. This responsibility includes developing tools to assist the Government of Canada in its effort to increase participation of indigenous businesses in federal procurement.
In fiscal year 2022-23, PSPC awarded 2.7%, or $139 million, of the total value of its procurements to indigenous businesses. In fiscal year 2023-24, PSPC awarded 3.4%, or $143 million, of the total value of its procurements to indigenous businesses.
As PSPC has not met its objective, various ongoing and planned activities are under way to progress and sustain the 5% target. The department has undertaken extensive engagement initiatives with indigenous partners to highlight indigenous procurement opportunities and to outline the support available through Procurement Assistance Canada.
During the 2023‑24 fiscal year, Public Services and Procurement Canada hosted or took part in over 524 events tailored towards enabling indigenous-owned and indigenous-led businesses to participate in federal procurement. We participated in four indigenous business information sessions that brought together indigenous businesses, communities and associations to increase indigenous participation in federal procurement and highlight indigenous procurement opportunities and support available through Government of Canada programs and services.
PAC's outreach and engagement efforts continue to support indigenous businesses and communities by helping them understand federal procurement and the opportunities available. PAC also participates in various remote community events, helping spread awareness and support to indigenous communities throughout Canada with the goal of supporting economic development. PAC assists indigenous communities with navigating the procurement process and sharing tools available to indigenous groups. PAC has also partnered with the Nunavut Economic Developers Association for a mentorship program. This program is focused on Inuit business owners interested in federal procurement.
These concrete outreach efforts will enable Public Services and Procurement Canada to drive economic reconciliation, create jobs in indigenous communities, develop the expertise and skill sets needed for their success, and foster the next generation of indigenous entrepreneurs from coast to coast to coast.