The “Diversifying the Federal Supply Chain Summit” is designed to increase diversity in the federal procurement supply chain. This event is focused on creating awareness of Government of Canada and private sector programming that can help women, Indigenous, minority, LGBTQ2+, and persons with disabilities owned businesses access federal contracting opportunities.

The day will include:

• Presentations by federal government programs and private sector organizations
• Federal government information kiosks
• Optional 8-minute one-on-one sessions with select officials from government programs (12:30-1:20pm)

Agenda

• 8:00 – 8:30 am – Registration & Check In
• 8:30 – 8:50 am – Introduction & Keynote
• 8:50 – 9:20 am – Session 1: Doing Business With the Federal Government
• 9:20 – 9:35 am – Break/Networking
• 9:35 – 10:20 am – Session 2: Supplier Diversity Councils
• 10:20 – 10:45 am – Session 3: Building Your Business
• 10:45 – 11:05 am – Session 4: Women in Business
• 11:05 – 11:20 am – Break
• 11:20 – 11:50 am – Session 5: Aboriginal Business Panel
• 11:50 – 12:10 pm – Session 6: Breaking Down Barriers: Working Towards Accessibility and Inclusivity
• 12:10 – 12: 20 pm – Final Remarks
• 12:30 – 1:20 pm – One-on-One Sessions (must be pre-scheduled)

Speakers and information kiosks

Confirmed speakers:

• Cassandra Dorrington, President, Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council
• Lorenzo Ieraci, Director General, Office of Small and Medium Enterprises
• Silvia Pencak, President, Women Business Enterprises Canada
• Tim Hopkins, successful federal supplier and President of Advantage Group
• Darrell Schuurman, Co-Founder and CEO, Canadian LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce
• Deidre Guy, Co-Founder and President, Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council of Canada

Information kiosks by:

• Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME)
• Office of the Procurement Ombudsman (OPO)
• Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
• Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB)
• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

Registration

Please provide the following information by e-mail at maria.colja@boa-opo.gc.ca or by telephone at 613‑947‑9717.

• Participant Name
• Email Address
• Phone Number

Are you interested in registering for a one-on-one session with a specific government program? If yes, please indicate which group you would like to meet with

• Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME)
• Office of the Procurement Ombudsman (OPO)
• Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
• Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB)
• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

Please answer the following questions to help us plan the summit

• Do you have any specific mobility requirements? If yes, please explain.
• Do you require assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation? If yes, please explain.
• Do you require services or equipment? If yes, please identify the one(s) required. [American Sign Language (ASL) | Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) | Other (please specify)]
• Do you require documents in alternate forms? If yes, please identify the format you require.
• Will you be travelling with a personal support attendant or service animal?
• Is there anything else you may need assistance with for the event? If yes, please specify.

Any questions can be directed to Maria Colja by email at maria.colja@boa-opo.gc.ca or phone at 613‑947‑9717.

More information: English | French