Experts Warn Federal Contracting Rules Leave Gaps in Critical Infrastructure Security

OTTAWA, ON — 

Canada’s federal procurement laws are once again under the microscope as policymakers, security experts, and industry leaders debate whether current rules adequately protect government operations in an increasingly digital environment.

At issue is how the federal government selects, vets, and monitors private-sector contractors who provide everything from IT services to system integration for critical agencies. While procurement processes emphasize fairness, transparency, and cost-effectiveness, critics argue these priorities often outpace security requirements.

“Procurement was designed to ensure value for money and prevent corruption,” explained a former Public Safety Canada official. “But in a world where a single vendor touchpoint can ripple across entire government networks, we need to ask if our laws are keeping up.”

Recent reviews by parliamentary committees have noted gaps in contractor vetting, especially when it comes to cybersecurity capabilities, supply-chain dependencies, and risk management for emerging technologies such as AI. Some experts suggest that while compliance frameworks exist, enforcement and ongoing oversight are inconsistent.

Industry groups, however, caution against over-regulation, warning that excessive procurement hurdles could slow innovation and reduce the pool of qualified vendors.

Still, the debate is intensifying. Observers point out that procurement rules often assume traditional risks, while today’s threats include supply-chain infiltration, nation-state adversaries, and AI-specific vulnerabilities. “The laws weren’t built for this moment,” said one Ottawa-based technology consultant.

With a new session of Parliament underway, government insiders say updates to procurement policy may soon land on the legislative agenda. The outcome could reshape how Canada balances cost, competition, and national security in the contracts that underpin critical public services.

Covering where tech meets policy and the gaps in between. — Jordan Okeke

ODTN News’ Ayaan Chowdhury contributed to this report.