Health Canada has cancelled its search for companies to help it develop marketing partnerships with the corporate sector and is retendering through the government’s open bidding system as well as with ads in trade publications.

Announcement delayed

The announcement of the winner of the search was delayed in June while the federal department reviewed the process under which it was conducted.

Sandra Crossfield, media relations officer for Public Works and Government Services, says the competition is being restaged.

Crossfield says a number of firms were unaware of the competition because the request for standing offer tenders had put out only through the open bidding system, a subscription service of Government Services Canada.

Five firms

Up to five firms will be chosen to define sponsorship potential and get corporate involvement for Health Canada’s anti-smoking, national drug strategy, Vitality, Brighter Futures and Healthy Environment programs.

The total budget for the five programs is more than $3 million, but that is a ceiling figure only.

Health Canada has also put out tenders for its advertising account, previously with McKim Advertising of Winnipeg, and a new assignment to handle communications and marketing directed to Canada’s aboriginal community