The Assembly of First Nations says it believes most of the contract spending Ottawa says it is awarding to Indigenous businesses only has loose ties to Indigenous people and is calling for new rules that ensure the program leads to community benefits.that 6.27 per cent of all federal contract spending in 2022-23 was awarded to Indigenous businesses, meaning it has met a self-imposed target to ensure that Indigenous businesses receive at least 5 per cent of all federal government work.
The program has faced scrutiny over the fact that it allows non-Indigenous companies to qualify, provided they partner in a joint venture with an Indigenous company. Mr. Ducharme told MPs that the many positive success stories tied to the procurement strategy for Indigenous businesses should not be overshadowed by cases of abuse.