What is Canada’s Government-to-Government (G2G) Contracting?

Quick answer: 

  • A sovereign contracting model: Canada’s G2G approach allows the Government of Canada (through CCC) to contract directly with foreign governments as the prime contractor.  
  • Canadian company delivery: CCC then subcontracts to a qualified Canadian company the buyer has approved to deliver the goods or services.  
  • Government-backed assurance: The model provides oversight, due diligence, and performance assurance throughout the project lifecycle.  
  • Reduced risk and simpler procurement: Foreign buyers benefit from lower acquisition risk, streamlined processes, and a trusted government counterparty.  
  • A competitive edge for Canadian firms: It helps Canadian companies compete globally by combining commercial expertise with the credibility and support of the Government of Canada. 

A smarter way to do business with Canada 

Canada’s Government-to-Government (G2G) contracting approach offers foreign governments a direct partnership with the Government of Canada—providing confidence, simplicity, and assurance when procuring goods and services from Canadian companies. 

At the centre of this model is the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), Canada’s official G2G contracting agency. 

How it works 

Under Canada’s G2G model: 

1

CCC signs a contract directly with the foreign government as the prime contractor 

2

CCC then contracts back-to-back with a qualified Canadian company to deliver the project 

3

The Government of Canada provides oversight and performance assurance from contract signature through delivery 

This creates a sovereign-to-sovereign relationship, backed by the credibility and accountability of the Government of Canada.

Why Canada offers G2G contracting 

In global public-sector procurement, companies don’t compete alone—they compete against other countries’ ecosystems of support. 

Many foreign governments prefer to work directly with other governments when projects are: 

  • Large or complex 
  • Politically sensitive 
  • Critical to public services or national priorities 

Without a G2G mechanism, even highly capable Canadian companies can face barriers, including: 

  • Procurement complexity and long timelines 
  • Perceived delivery or performance risk 
  • Preference for government-backed competitors 

Canada’s G2G model exists to level the playing field—ensuring Canadian companies can compete effectively by pairing their expertise with the trust and assurance of the Government of Canada.

What makes Canada’s G2G model unique 

Most countries support exporters through financing tools such as loans, guarantees, or insurance. While these are valuable, they focus on how a deal is funded, not who the buyer contracts with. 

Canada’s approach is different. 

Canada’s model combines: 

  • Contracting – CCC acts as the prime contractor 
  • Sovereign relationship – government-to-government engagement 
  • Performance assurance – oversight from project start to finish 

While many others focus on: 

  • Financing (loans, guarantees, insurance) 
  • Risk mitigation tools 
  • Diplomatic or trade advocacy 

This distinction means Canada can offer something unique: A trusted government partner, not just financial support. 

Benefits for Canadian exporters

Canada’s G2G model helps companies compete—and win—in global public-sector markets. 

Increased credibility

Offers are backed by the reputation and reliability of the Government of Canada. 

Access to opportunities

Opens doors in markets where G2G engagement is preferred or required. 

Stronger competitive position

Levels the playing field against foreign competitors supported by their governments. 

Streamlined contracting

CCC manages the government-facing contract, allowing companies to focus on delivery. 

Benefits for foreign governments

Canada’s G2G contracting approach is designed to reduce risk and simplify procurement. 

Lower acquisition risk

Work directly with the Government of Canada, with assurance that contracts will be delivered as agreed. 

Simplified procurement

G2G agreements can streamline procurement processes and reduce administrative burden. 

Confidence in supplier capability

CCC performs due diligence on Canadian exporters to ensure they are qualified and reliable. 

End-to-end oversight

CCC monitors performance throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring accountability and results. 

Trusted partnership

Engage with a stable, transparent, and accountable government partner. 

When G2G is most effective 

Canada’s G2G approach is especially valuable for projects that are: 

  • Government-led or publicly funded 
  • Complex or high-value 
  • Time-sensitive 
  • Strategically important 

This includes sectors such as: 

  • Defence and security 
  • Aerospace 
  • Infrastructure 
  • Clean technology 
  • Public services and institutional systems 

How Canada’s G2G compares globally 

Countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Korea, Japan, France and many others offer strong export support—primarily through financing and insurance mechanisms. 

Canada complements these approaches with something distinctive: 

A government-to-government contracting model that directly connects buyers with the Government of Canada 

While other countries may offer larger financing capacity, Canada’s strength lies in how contracts are structured, helping reduce risk, accelerate procurement, and build trust. 

A trusted partner in global procurement

Canada’s G2G contracting model allows foreign governments to move forward with confidence—knowing they are working with a reliable partner committed to transparency, quality, and delivery. 

And for Canadian companies, it ensures they are not just offering world-class solutions—but doing so with the full backing of their government.

Learn more about our services 

CCC has two G2G services: one for G2G contracts with any government world-wide and one to meet Canda’s commitment under the Defence production Sharing Agreement with the United States.

Have questions? 

Connect with us to explore how G2G contracting can support your next project.