Full Breakdown
U.S. Security Firm Wins $12 Million CRA Contract, Displacing Veteran-Run Commissionaires
By Drooid · · How we work
Contract Award to Allied Universal
The federal government announced that Allied Universal, a Pennsylvania-based security company, will provide security services for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The contract is valued at close to $12 million and was awarded after Allied Universal underbid the Commissionaires by just over $80,000. The Commissionaires, a veteran-run organization that has secured CRA security work since 2012, lost the bid.
Background and Policy Context
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration introduced a “Buy Canadian” procurement policy in December 2025, pledging preference for Canadian firms on contracts exceeding $5 million. Despite this, a review of federal contracts from March 2025 to July 2026 showed that 31 % of awarded contracts went to American-controlled companies, up from 20 % in the preceding 16-month period. The Commissionaires, the country’s largest employer of veterans, historically enjoyed a right of first refusal for federal security contracts—a privilege the Carney government signaled it would end after lobbying by Montreal-based GardaWorld.
Official Statements & Responses
“By implementing the Buy Canadian Policy today, the federal government is putting Canadian workers and industries first and becoming Canada’s best customer,” — Joël Lightbound, Carney’s minister for government procurement
The government’s decision to end the Commissionaires’ right of first refusal is being challenged in court, with veterans’ minister Jill McKnight acknowledging the policy shift.
Criticism & Opposition
“Awarding a nearly $12-million federal security contract to an American-owned company over a price difference of less than 1% raises serious questions about the government’s priorities,” — Michael Barrett, veterans critic
Barrett emphasized the importance of supporting Canadian veterans, protecting domestic jobs, and retaining public funds within Canada.
Verbatim Quotes
- “By implementing the Buy Canadian Policy today, the federal government is putting Canadian workers and industries first and becoming Canada’s best customer,” — Joël Lightbound, Carney’s minister for government procurement
- “Awarding a nearly $12-million federal security contract to an American-owned company over a price difference of less than 1% raises serious questions about the government’s priorities,” — Michael Barrett, veterans critic
These sections synthesize the contract details, policy background, official commentary, and opposition viewpoints while remaining strictly factual and neutral.