Feds plan to run open competitions for some COVID-19 medical supplies: Anand

OTTAWA — The federal Liberals say the government will go back to using competitive bid processes to get protective equipment needed across the country due to COVID-19.

Procurement Minister Anita Anand says the process usually used to award contracts will only apply in situations where there is enough time to run a competition.

The government is spending billions of dollars to acquire everything from ventilators to masks, though a full accounting is not expected for months.

Many contracts have been signed using national security exemptions to quickly snap up gear in high demand globally.