Yes, searching and registration are free. CanadaBuys replaced the MERX system which previously had paid subscription options.

What happened to MERX and BuyandSell?

CanadaBuys replaced both systems in 2023, consolidating federal procurement into a single modern platform.

Can non-Canadian companies bid?

Yes, depending on trade agreements. Suppliers from CUSMA, CETA, and CPTPP countries have access rights to covered federal procurement.

Does CanadaBuys include provincial tenders?

No. CanadaBuys covers federal government only. Each province operates its own procurement system.

CanadaBuys Canadian Federal Tenders

What is CanadaBuys?

CanadaBuys is the Government of Canada's official procurement portal, replacing the former MERX/BuyandSell platform. It's where federal departments and agencies publish tender opportunities and where suppliers register to do business with the Canadian government.

Launched in 2023, CanadaBuys modernised Canada's procurement infrastructure with improved search, supplier registration, and integration across federal purchasing.

Who runs it?

CanadaBuys is operated by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), the federal department responsible for government purchasing. PSPC manages over $20 billion in annual federal procurement.

The platform serves all federal government departments, agencies, and Crown corporations, providing a unified publication and sourcing system.

What contracts are published?

Federal opportunities include:

Goods: IT equipment, office supplies, vehicles, scientific instruments
Services: Consulting, IT services, professional services, facilities management
Construction: Federal buildings, infrastructure, defence facilities
Standing offers and supply arrangements

Opportunities range from small requirements to multi-billion dollar defence and infrastructure projects.

Federal vs provincial procurement

CanadaBuys covers federal government only. Canada's provinces and territories operate separate procurement systems:

BC Bid (British Columbia)
SaskTenders (Saskatchewan)
Ontario Tenders Portal
SEAO (Quebec)
And others across provinces

For comprehensive Canadian coverage, monitoring both federal and provincial sources is necessary.

Supplier registration

To bid on federal contracts, you'll need:

A CanadaBuys account (free)
Business number registration
Procurement Business Number (PBN) for bidding
Relevant security clearances for classified work

Registration in the Supplier Registration Information system allows you to receive opportunity notifications and submit bids electronically.

Trade agreement coverage

Canada is party to numerous trade agreements affecting procurement access:

CUSMA/USMCA (US and Mexico)
CETA (European Union)
CPTPP (Pacific countries)
Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) for interprovincial

These agreements mean suppliers from covered countries have access to Canadian federal procurement above specified thresholds.

Strengths

Modern platform: Recently upgraded with improved functionality
Comprehensive federal coverage: All departments in one place
Bilingual: Full English and French interface
Free access: No cost to search or register
Standing offers visible: Access to pre-qualified supplier arrangements

Limitations

Federal only: Provincial and territorial procurement on separate platforms
Registration complexity: Multiple credentials needed (account, PBN) for full access
New platform: Transitioned from MERX in 2023, some users still adapting
Standing offer visibility: Some opportunities only visible to pre-qualified suppliers
Bilingual documentation: Some documents in French or English only

Our coverage

We monitor CanadaBuys alongside provincial platforms including BC Bid and SaskTenders. This gives you visibility across Canadian public procurement at all levels.

Interested in Canadian government contracts? Start your free trial.

CanadaBuys