‘Negative Trends’: Procurement Ombudsman Finds Dozens of Unethical Federal Contracting Instances

Alexander Jeglic says stakeholders have raised concerns of federal officials behaving in ways inconsistent with the Values and Ethics for the Public Sector.

The Parliament Buildings are seen beyond the Alexandra Bridge in Ottawa on Sept. 7, 2022. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

There have been dozens of instances of unethical federal contracting cited by whistleblowers in the past year, according to Procurement Ombudsman Alexander Jeglic’s annual report.

“This year, stakeholders contacted my office 30 times with concerns about the behaviour of federal officials being inconsistent with the Values And Ethics Code For The Public Sector. Concerns about questionable federal procurement activities have negatively impacted public trust,” wrote Mr. Jeglic.