The Accessible Procurement Research Project (APRP), conducted by Adaptability Canada in collaboration with the Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council of Canada (IWSCC), the Accessibility Institute at Carleton University, and Ernst & Young (EY), explores the systemic barriers preventing people with disabilities and disabled-owned businesses from fully participating in procurement processes. The research, conducted from January 2022 to December 2024, identifies key challenges, organizational resistance, and potential solutions to foster an inclusive procurement environment in Canada.
Key Findings
Barriers for Disabled-Owned Businesses
Procurement processes are overly complex, making participation difficult for disabled entrepreneurs.
Regulatory constraints and a lack of awareness prevent businesses from accessing opportunities.
Procurement documents and digital platforms frequently lack accessibility features, further limiting engagement.
2. Organizational Resistance to Change
Procurement policies are highly regulated and risk-averse, creating barriers to innovation.
Accessibility is often viewed as a technology compliance issue rather than a strategic priority.
Concerns over trade agreements and legal obligations discourage organizations from modifying procurement practices.
3. Supplier Diversity and Inclusion Gaps
While supplier diversity is well-developed for women-owned and Indigenous businesses, disabled-owned businesses remain overlooked.
Most organizations lack policies and accountability measures for including disabled suppliers.
International best practices, such as Australia’s Indigenous Procurement Policy, offer potential models for Canada to adopt.
A Call to Action
To drive meaningful change, the report urges governments and corporations to:
Establish clear accessibility standards for procurement.
Simplify procurement processes to remove unnecessary barriers.
Strengthen supplier diversity policies in alignment with the Accessible Canada Act (ACA).
Conclusion
The APRP highlights systemic procurement barriers that disadvantage disabled suppliers and people with disabilities inside the procurement organization. Achieving truly accessible procurement requires a shift in policies, corporate commitment, and industry-wide education. Organizations must take proactive steps to integrate accessibility in procurement, fostering a more inclusive and equitable economy. The report urges stakeholders to act now, ensuring procurement processes work for all Canadians, including those with disabilities.
