Virtual event concluded with the Honorable Anita Anand, minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada, discussing adaptation to the procurement process during COVID-19.

Virtual participants who attended the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council’s (CAMSC) 16th Diversity Procurement Fair were given insights to innovation in an adapting world. Supplier diversity leaders from industries such as automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and telecommunications participated in a wide range of online webinars during the annual multi-day business facilitation and networking event. Major sponsors included GM, Global Affairs Canada, Accenture, Magna, and Nutrien.

Day 1 kicked off with the inaugural Export Forum that was created in response to the recent signing of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, as well as the renewed focus on onshoring. Suppliers heard from corporations who have successfully navigated crossing borders in their business ventures. A trade commissioner from Global Affairs Canada discussed resources available to companies that strive to be export ready. Also rounding out the first day included advice from a professional marketing Coach on how to successfully pitch business virtually, SD Talks, a series of corporate spotlights discussing how the pandemic is changing the landscape of businesses.

Day 2 was content full, with three panel discussions that started with innovation in the auto industry, followed by growth opportunities in the food and pharmaceutical industries and a discussion about what the future of work will look like as we all adapt to new normal. The day ended with an intimate conversation with the Honorable Anita Anand, minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada. She shared her vision for the modernization of government procurement, the steps taken, to date, during the pandemic, and the strategies the government is taking to nurture diversity in the procurement process across Canada.  

“Going virtual with this event is a first for us,” said Cassandra Dorrington, president and CEO, CAMSC. “We can’t thank our network of corporate and supplier members enough for supporting this fair with their knowledge and expertise. We may be online, but we are still able to provide the content and connection our attendees expect. And we remain focused on what we are constantly striving for: a future where supplier diversity is front and center in all facets of business here and globally.”

CAMSC’s Business Achievement Awards Gala is the organization’s next virtual event and recognizes leaders in supplier diversity. The event takes place October 1 and nominations are open now until August 14. CAMSC certified members can nominate themselves or someone they do business with.