Government of Canada to Increase Transparency of Contracts

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 31, 2012) - The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced new measures to increase the transparency of government contracts.

For the first time, contracts over $10,000 published on departmental websites as part of their proactive disclosure will identify which ones have been awarded to former public servants in receipt of a pension under the Public Service Superannuation Act. This information will also be flagged within departmental financial and contracting systems.

"Canadians deserve to know how the Government of Canada spends taxpayers' money," said Minister Clement. "This is an important step towards increasing transparency in Government contracting and ensuring fair-dealing."

In addition to proactive disclosure, Ministers will be kept informed of these contracts through quarterly reports as well as through an annual overview at the beginning of each fiscal year. Contracts awarded by the Treasury Board Secretariat, a central agency responsible for government operations, will require approval by the President of the Treasury Board.

"Former public servants have valuable experience and in-depth knowledge and those in receipt of a pension may be awarded contracts," said Minister Clement. "But it is important that it is done in a clear, transparent and up front way."

These measures will take effect on January 1^st, 2013. An amendment to the Guidelines on the Proactive Disclosure of Contracts will ensure these contracts are identified as part of the Government's quarterly proactive disclosure reports as of April 2013.

The amended Guidelines on the Proactive Disclosure of Contracts are available on the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat website.