Inquiry into biomedical waste contract

Summary#

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has opened an inquiry after a complaint from Stericycle, ULC about a Correctional Service Canada procurement for biomedical waste removal (Solicitation 50100-23-4243062). The Tribunal made the decision to hold the inquiry on July 26, 2023.

What it does#

• Starts an inquiry into complaint File PR-2023-024 from Stericycle, ULC about the Correctional Service Canada contract for biomedical waste removal.
• Notes that Stericycle, ULC says the winning bidder should not have been awarded the contract because that bidder is allegedly facing an enforcement order under the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act for improper disposal and storage of biomedical and hazardous waste.
• Records that Stericycle, ULC is asking for a new solicitation (a re-run of the procurement).
• Gives a contact (Registry) for more information: telephone 613‑993‑3595 and email citt-tcce@tribunal.gc.ca.

Who's affected#

• Companies that bid, or wanted to bid, on Correctional Service Canada’s biomedical waste removal contract.
• Stericycle, ULC (the complainant) and the unnamed successful bidder (the subject of the allegation).
• Correctional Service Canada staff who manage the contract.
• It is unclear from the notice whether any specific communities or facilities are directly affected yet.

Why it matters#

• The inquiry could change who holds the contract to collect and dispose of biomedical and hazardous waste for a federal correctional service.
• Handling of biomedical waste has health and environmental implications, so questions about a supplier’s compliance with environmental law are material to safety and public trust.
• This is an administrative review; it does not yet mean the contract will be cancelled or reissued.