Canada’s housing and infrastructure programs are essential to national well-being. As governments deploy public dollars to build and repair homes, shelters and community infrastructure, one question is rising in importance: how can those funds maximize benefits for Canadian workers and domestic industry? The CKCA and Canadian cabinetry manufacturers are urging governments to require that projects built with public funding source cabinetry manufactured in Canada.
Why industry advocates for “Buy Canadian” in public procurement
Jobs and regional economic impact: Cabinet manufacturing supports skilled trades and local supply chains. Sourcing domestically keeps jobs and tax dollars in Canadian communities. woodworkingcanada.com
Quality, inspection and compliance: Domestic manufacturing makes it easier to ensure code compliance, quality control, and reliable warranty/service pathways.
Supply chain resilience and timelines: Local production can reduce risk of extended lead times tied to global shipping volatility.
Alignment with other government objectives: Provincial and federal policy moves toward supporting Canadian procurement and supply chains — this proposal aligns with those broader objectives. Business Law firm | Stikeman Elliott
Addressing fairness and trade obligations:
This policy asks that public funding recipients prioritize domestic manufacturers as a condition of eligibility; it is not a suggestion to close private markets. Industry stakeholders know procurement rules must be carefully drafted to comply with trade agreements and procurement law. The CKCA is prepared to work with government officials to craft practical, defensible guidelines that withstand legal scrutiny while achieving policy goals. Woodworking Network+1
What Westwood is offering:
Help draft procurement language that is clear and enforceable.
Provide evidence on capacity, lead times and regional economic benefits.
Work with agencies to create fair tendering processes that balance price, quality, timelines and Canadian content.
For governments exploring how to deliver maximum value from infrastructure and housing dollars, the CKCA and Canadian manufacturers are ready to help design procurement rules that prioritize domestic benefits while remaining fair and transparent. For further discussion, contact Rishelle Tarr, CKCA Board member, and Director, Business Operations at Westwood Cabinetry. Contact: rishellet@westwoodcabinetry.com
Prioritizing Canadian-made cabinetry ensures taxpayer dollars support local jobs, skilled trades, and domestic supply chains. It strengthens the Canadian economy, improves quality control, and creates more resilient construction projects.
No. This recommendation applies only to publicly funded projects. Private builders and homeowners remain free to choose cabinetry from any source, including international manufacturers.
Sourcing locally creates employment for cabinet makers, installers, and related trades, keeps dollars circulating in regional economies, and supports sustainable practices by reducing shipping and transportation impacts.
Not necessarily. While imported products can sometimes appear cheaper, Canadian manufacturers provide reliable timelines, quality assurance, and lower risk of delays, which can offset upfront costs. Over time, investing locally strengthens supply chains and reduces project risk.
Governments can require that public funding programs include domestic sourcing requirements, set clear standards for Canadian content, and work with associations like the CKCA to ensure rules are transparent, trade-compliant, and practical for builders.
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