Revoke Commissionaires right of first refusal

AI summary

Petitioners ask the Government of Canada to revoke its decision to end the Commissionaires' right of first refusal for federal guard services contracts. The government responds the policy is extended to March 31, 2027.

AI summaries describe petitioners’ requests and claims. Consult the official record for the full text.

Official petition

Petition to the House of Commons Whereas: 1. The Commissionaires remains the largest employer of veterans in Canada; 2. The Commissionaires had an agreement with the federal government that gives the Commissionaires the first right of refusal for security at federal buildings for government departments; 3. The Government decided that the policy will end in April 2027 with a clear lack of justification for doing so; and 4. The abolition of this agreement could cost the Commissionaires up to $330 million and put the employment of thousands of veterans in jeopardy. We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Revoke the Government of Canada's decision to end the Commissionaires 80-year-old preferential contracting entitlement on federal security guard contracts.

Government response

Response by the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Signed by Mr. Sean Casey In 1945, the Government of Canada implemented the Right of First Refusal policy to provide employment opportunities for Veterans returning from World War II. Now known as the “Policy on Procurement of Guard Services,” the Right of First Refusal offers security guard contracts to the Corps of Commissionaires before other security companies. This has been achieved through the utilization of an exemption from competitive procurement through the Government Contracts Regulations. Over the past several years, Veterans Affairs Canada has reviewed the Right of First Refusal policy to determine if it is still effectively delivering on its mandate, given that the employment situation for Veterans has changed significantly since the policy was first established. At its inception, the standard required 100% of the hours for all contracts procured through the policy be worked by Veterans. Later, in 2004, this standard was revised to 70% and in 2006, this standard was further revised to 60%. This threshold has not been met for several years. As a result of the review of the policy, the decision was made to extend the Right of First Refusal policy for one final year from April 1, 2026 until March 31, 2027. Beginning on April 1, 2027, all guard services companies, including the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, will be able to compete for federal guard services contracts. Veterans Affairs Canada remains committed to supporting Veterans’ well-being and successful transition to life after service, including helping them achieve their employment goals. In 2024, Veterans Affairs Canada launched the National Veterans Employment Strategy which aims to support Veterans as they enter the labour market in search of meaningful employment following their military service. Veterans Affairs Canada will continue to advance the National Veterans Employment Strategy and Career Transition Services to support and promote Veteran employment. By recognizing the valuable skills, experience, leadership, and adaptability that Veterans bring to the workforce, these initiatives help connect Veterans with meaningful employment opportunities and support successful transitions to rewarding careers across a broad range of sectors and professions, including guard services.