Canadian Government Auctions

If you feel the US auction market doesn’t provide you with the deals you want, the option is always to look to our neighbours. Every year the Canadian Federal Government disposes of millions of dollars worth of surplus property to eager bidders. Canadian government auctions are therefore a firm favourite for auction specialists.   

The great thing is that the Canadian government auctions are open to any individual and entity in both Canada and abroad. You therefore don’t need to be a legal Canadian resident or citizen to qualify for bidding entry.  

The Canadian government organisation in charge of the sale and disposal of surplus federal property is known as the “Crown Assets Distribution”. Well over ninety different federal agencies dispose its surplus goods through this department.  

Click here for Government Auctions in Canada

So what is for sale? The question is probably easier answered if asked, ’what IS NOT for sale?’!! 

The majority of goods by far (well over 50%) consist of trucks, SUV’s and cars with aircraft being a distant second. Other goods include things like computers, furniture and scrap metal. Pretty much anything is covered except government owned buildings and land.  

These goods are usually sold at the regional centres of the Crown Assets Distribution across Canada. There are currently eight of them in total. Due to its sheer quantity, vehicles have an additional distribution outlet in the form of a federal government agreement with Michener Allen Auctioneering Ltd. This is a privately held company that sells autos in regions across Canada. This effectively gives the CAD a farther reach throughout Canada and enables to more effectively sell a larger number of vehicles.   

Most of the necessary information relating to upcoming auction events and available goods are updated online. It is however worthwhile to confirm the accuracy of this information by phoning the regional centre. The online information will include detailed specs on just about anything there is to know about the product. It will also include information on the dates on which viewing and inspections will be held. If you have any further question, a sales representative will be listed who will be contactable. This contact will have an in-depth knowledge of the product for sale and will be well placed to answer any questions on the product specs.  

The Crown Asset Distribution is tasked with the duty of selling federal goods. When it comes to Canadian government auctions on different levels of government, you will have to look at different outlets. Cities like Toronto, Ontaria and Alberta have auction activities separate from the CAD and tend to have private contracted auctioneers to handle these.  

If you live in the US and looking to diversify into Canadian government auctions, or simply live in Canada looking to get involved in the local market, you’re sure to be impressed with the savings you’ll make. 

Wondering when’s the next auction in Canada?    You can find an extensive database on government auctions at GovernmentAuctions.    This site has an updated listing of over 70 different auctions in Canada  on various levels of government for seized, surplus and abandoned property. A great resource that will save you a lot of time and money. Click here to check it out now!