Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy

What are Industrial and Regional Benefits?

The Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) Policy is an important element of the Government of Canada's overall procurement process for major defence and security purchases. The IRB Policy enables the Government of Canada to leverage major investments in military equipment to encourage long-term industrial development and significant economic activity here in Canada.

Industry Canada is responsible for the administration of the IRB Policy.

What’s the WD connection?

WD is mandated through the Western Economic Diversification Act, to “guide, promote and coordinate the policies and programs, including those related to industrial benefits, of the Government of Canadian relation to the development and diversification of the economy of Western Canada.”

WD is committed to advocating on behalf of western Canadian industry in the development and application of the federal procurement and Industrial and Regional Benefits policy. WD is also a business facilitator, partnering with and promoting western Canadian firms and organizations at the regional, national and international level to Prime Contractors that have IRB obligations.

How can Small-and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) get involved?

There are two types of IRB opportunities available to SMEs .

Direct IRBs are transactions that give SMEs an opportunity to provide goods, services and/or long-term service support directly for the items being procured by the government.

Indirect IRBs are transactions which are not directly related to the procured items. These indirect IRBs allow Canadian SMEs in a variety of high technology sectors to benefit — through investments, technology cooperation, product mandates, etc.

Each procurement has its own mix of direct and indirect IRB requirements, depending on the overall procurement strategy and what makes good business sense to the prime contractor.

Consult Industry Canada’s Info Kit for SMEs for information and resources, aimed at helping SMEs better understand and participate in the IRB policy.

What opportunities are available?

The Major Crown Projects under the Canadian Forces, Canada First Defence Strategy (CFDS) provide significant IRB business opportunities for Canadian industry.  The IRB funding available depends on the value of the contracts awarded and the amount of unallocated IRB obligations of the Prime Contractor.

For more information on current and potential projects, please visit the Industry Canada website.

Are there any upcoming events related to IRBs?

Register online to receive information on upcoming supplier development and shipbuilding events. 

Who can I contact at WD for more information?

For additional information on Industrial and Regional Benefits you may also contact us at any of our offices by email, telephone, fax or call us at 1-888-338-WEST (9378).