Canada: Government Contracts, Procurement & PPP

The Divisional Court's decision in Land Design Inc. v. Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corp. establishes critical boundaries for judicial review of procurement decisions and clarifies bidder obligations under no-contact rules. When does a procurement decision become sufficiently public to warrant court intervention, and what responsibility do bidders bear when their employees engage with prohibited government officials during an active RFP process?

British Columbia's snap election on October 24, 2026, brings strict lobbying rules, electoral advertising limits, and new foreign influence regulations that businesses must navigate carefully. Companies engaging with candidates face complex registration requirements, gift restrictions, and spending caps that vary depending on whether candidates hold public office during the campaign.

Quebec has introduced a new regulation establishing rapid payment and dispute resolution mechanisms for public construction contracts. This regime imposes strict timelines for monthly invoicing, creates a cascading payment system, and provides a 50-day accelerated dispute resolution process through accredited third-party decision-makers. The regulation applies progressively based on contract value, starting September 2025, and aims to reduce payment delays, improve cash flow, and minimize litigation in the