Federal Government Falls Short on Indigenous Procurement

July 15, 2025

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is responding to today’s report that multiple federal departments failed to meet the mandated 5% Indigenous procurement target, a key policy intended to support Indigenous businesses and advance economic reconciliation.

“When Canada publicly commits to reconciliation through legislation like Bill C-5, it must ensure that these commitments are backed by enforceable actions,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “Failing to meet its own procurement target undermines any credibility the federal government claims to have on implementing its so-called Nation Building agenda. If First Nations are expected to help drive major infrastructure, health, and energy projects under Bill C-5, then we must also be at the table – and on the contracts – from day one.”

Despite public promises and a mandatory policy, federal departments continue to underperform. For Grand Chief Wilson, the issue isn’t capacity, it’s political will.

The AMC is calling on the federal government to publicly release departmental data on procurement performance, to co-develop binding legislation that embeds Indigenous procurement targets into federal law and securing long-term, set-aside contracts for First Nations-owned businesses—particularly in Manitoba, where the impact of Bill C-5 will be deeply felt.

“If the federal government can’t even meet a 5% procurement target, a very low bar to meet, it exposes how little has actually changed beneath the rhetoric of reconciliation,” concluded Grand Chief Wilson. “This isn’t about capacity or process; it’s about political will. Canada cannot pass legislation like Bill C-5 claiming to empower First Nations, while its own departments refuse to direct even the smallest fraction of economic opportunity to our communities. Real nation-building means sharing control, resources, and decision-making.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs will continue to advocate for economic sovereignty and hold all governments accountable to their legal and Treaty obligations to First Nations.

The AMC continues to advocate for fair, respectful, and culturally informed journalism – journalism that reflects the full scope of our work, our leadership, and the voices of the First Nations we represent. We remain committed to engaging with media partners who are prepared to report responsibly and honour the sacred responsibility we all hold in sharing stories that impact our Nations.

-30-

For more information:

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com

NT5