# Kitchener Connects Suppliers to Procurement

In Kitchener, more than 140 Waterloo Region business representatives attended the Defence Shift event to learn about Canadian defence-sector procurement pathways. Separately, the City of Kitchener hosted a two-day Buy Canada–Buy Ontario initiative where federal and provincial procurement experts discussed supplier registration and ways to identify upcoming opportunities. The sessions highlighted an estimated $300 billion in annual government procurement across Canada and offered manufacturers and technology firms practical entry points, but announced no specific solicitation, award, contract value, or procurement deadline.

- Businesses can use the supplier-registration information and procurement pathways covered in the sessions to prepare to compete for federal and provincial opportunities.
- Defence suppliers may find the increased focus on Canadian defence spending relevant to their market planning; the signals do not identify a specific defence requirement or solicitation.
- The $300 billion figure describes estimated annual government procurement nationally, not funding set aside for these events or a particular contract. Companies should treat it as market context rather than a forecast of addressable work.
- No deadline or active solicitation was identified, so the signals do not establish a near-term bid action.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 18, 2026

### Government Entities
- Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
- Supply Ontario
- City of Kitchener

### Key Quotes
> If you're spending $300 billion a year—which is what governments spend across the country—that's a huge opportunity, and our local companies should have a chance to get at that business.
> — Sandra Pupatello, Senator

> It’s really all about making sure that businesses have the information they need to compete on business opportunities, whether they’re at the local, provincial, or national level.
> — Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor of Kitchener

### Sources
- [This is the time for businesses to pursue defence contracts](https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/this-is-the-time-for-businesses-to-pursue-defence-contracts/article_790510ff-d6c0-5596-912f-f9bd76e9aa2b.html) - The Record
- [Kitchener Helps Local Businesses Pursue Government Contracts Through Procurement Sessions - Frequency](https://www.frequencynews.ca/news/kitchener-helps-local-businesses-pursue-government-contracts-through-procurement-sessions) - Frequency News