Strengthening the Confidence of Canadians in Public Procurement

Shahid Minto is a chartered accountant with a master's degree in political
science and a professional degree in law. He has been officially appointed as the government's first Procurement Ombudsman.

During this session participants will learn about the role of the
Procurement Ombudsman and its mandate mission and vision. Participants will also learn about the independence of the Procurement Ombudsman, what fairness, openness and transparency means to the Office Procurement Ombudsman and what the reporting expectations are.

The Federal Accountability Act received royal assent on December 12,
2006. Through this Act, the Government of Canada has brought forward specific measures to help strengthen accountability and increase transparency.

The Federal Accountability Act provides for the appointment of a Procurement Ombudsman who operates at arm's length from government departments to promote fairness, openness and transparency in federal procurement processes by reviewing procurement practices and responding to complaints from Canadians suppliers. The Procurement Ombudsman also provides an alternative dispute resolution process, if both parties agree to participate, as well as performs any other duties or functions respecting the practices of departments for acquiring materiel and services that may be assigned to him by order of the Governor in Council or the Minister.