From software to diapers: suppliers face gag orders when dealing with governments

“If (reporters) wanted to talk to them and we had a compelling reason why we should not allow that, we would tell the vendor they can't do it. But we're also saying the province of Manitoba is not going to unreasonably withhold that information.”

- The Defence Department lifted a media gag order Friday on suppliers interested in providing new radar equipment to military airfields across Canada.

But it's only one of a growing number of contracts in which people who want to do business with federal or provincial governments must agree not to talk to the reporters.

The department issued a letter of interest last Monday, asking suppliers for information on what kind of new radar systems are available to replace aging installations at Trenton, Ont., Cold Lake, Alta. and other bases. Read more