Tribunal opens inquiry into biomedical waste contract

Summary#

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal decided on July 26, 2023 to open an inquiry after a complaint from Stericycle, ULC about a biomedical waste removal contract held by Correctional Service Canada. The Commissions section also notes routine public postings from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission and a permission under the Public Service Employment Act for Jan Crane to run in a municipal by‑election.

What it does#

• The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will investigate a procurement complaint (File PR-2023-024) about solicitation 50100-23-4243062, a contract for biomedical waste removal for Correctional Service Canada.

  • Stericycle, ULC says the winning bidder should not have received the contract because it is facing an enforcement order under the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act for improper disposal and storage of biomedical and hazardous waste.
  • Stericycle, ULC asks that a new solicitation be issued.

• The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) reminded the public that it posts full decisions and related documents on its website and listed recent applications and decisions.

  • One highlighted application is from First Peoples Radio Inc. (Application 2023-0451-7) for CFPO-FM and CFPT-FM in Ottawa and Toronto, with a deadline for interventions of September 1, 2023.

• The Public Service Commission granted permission for Jan Crane, a Business Validation Officer at the Canada Revenue Agency, to seek nomination and be a candidate in the municipal by‑election for the Town of Port au Port East, Newfoundland and Labrador, to be held on August 14, 2023.

Who's affected#

• Companies that bid on or provide biomedical waste removal services to federal institutions, including Stericycle, ULC and the unnamed winning bidder.
• Correctional Service Canada, as the client of the contract.
• Suppliers and taxpayers who care about fairness and environmental compliance in federal procurement.
• Broadcasters and local radio stakeholders, like First Peoples Radio Inc., and any members of the public who want to intervene in CRTC proceedings by September 1, 2023.
• Jan Crane, the Canada Revenue Agency, and voters in Port au Port East ahead of the August 14, 2023 by‑election.

Why it matters#

• A Tribunal inquiry can lead to the contract being reviewed or reissued. That could change who provides biomedical waste removal to federal correctional facilities and affect service continuity, costs, or environmental compliance.
• The CRTC notices point to open regulatory processes where communities and industry can comment or intervene. Deadlines like September 1, 2023 are the chance to take part.
• The Public Service Commission’s permission is a routine step that allows a federal employee to run in a local election. It shows how public servants can take part in local politics while holding federal roles.