Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government is doubling down on Canadian-made products and materials in construction and infrastructure with the introduction of the Buy Canadian Policy, outlined today by Prime Minister Mark Carney as part of Budget 2025.
The $186 million initiative is designed to make Canada its own “best customer,” prioritizing domestic steel, aluminum, lumber, and other materials for public projects. Officials say the policy aims to strengthen local supply chains, support Canadian manufacturers, and create new high-quality jobs in construction, technology, energy, and clean manufacturing.
“Budget 2025 is our plan to build Canada Strong – with major infrastructure projects, millions more homes, new defence industries, and thousands of new careers across our country. As we build big and bold, we will build Canadian and buy Canadian,” Carney said.
Key elements of the funding include:
- $98.2 million over five years to Public Services and Procurement Canada, plus $9.8 million ongoing, and $7.7 million over three years to the Treasury Board Secretariat to implement Buy Canadian requirements across federal departments, agencies, and Crown corporations.
- $79.9 million over five years to launch the Small and Medium Business Procurement Program, providing streamlined support to Canadian SMEs trying to enter the federal market.
The policy will impact more than $70 billion in federal infrastructure and public investment, covering everything from bridges, hospitals, and recreation centres to housing construction and energy projects. Programs such as the Major Projects Office, Build Canada Homes, the Defence Investment Agency, and the Build Communities Strong Fund will all follow Buy Canadian guidelines.
“Every public dollar will go into the Canadian economy, creating Canadian careers, using Canadian resources, and benefiting Canadian communities,” Carney said.