Army goats and 5.7 tonnes of cheese: here are the government’s strangest purchases

Newest public transparency database from the IJF reveals the weird and wacky side of Canadian government contracts

14 Aug 2024 • 5 min read

Three people in military uniform watch several dozen goats graze on a grassy hill.

Armed forces personnel check out the X-Area goat project designed to take care of the overgrown vegetation on the berms at 4 Wing, Cold Lake, Alberta in 2018. (Credit: Able Seaman Erica Seymour/Department of National Defence Canada)

Kate Schneider

Kate Schneider is a U.K.-based reporter with experience working at the Oxford Political Review and the Canadian Law Review. Her work has also been published by the CBC.

Dig Deeper

Our databases turn public records into public power. Dig in to find the real story on lobbying, donations, contracts, access to information releases and more.

Exterior of a high-rise condo building under construction in downtown Toronto.

Economy

The housing paradox: Canada builds while condos sit unsold

As Ottawa funds thousands of new purpose-built rentals, some major cities are dealing with rising condo inventories, challenging Canada's housing strategy in the face of changing market conditions.

Stephen Chamberlain•2 Jul 2026

An illustration shows five people in a semi-circle including a health care worker, a caregiver, a gas station attendant and a construction worker.

Economy

Army goats and 5.7 tonnes of cheese: here are the government’s strangest purchases

Dig Deeper

Related Articles

The housing paradox: Canada builds while condos sit unsold

Canada's Labour Trafficking Problem Is Getting Worse: Intelligence Agency

More on Economy

N.B. fish plant trapped workers in debt, government alleges

Only nine of Canada’s 75 largest police services have enough women officers to break up the 'boys’ club,' analysis shows

Could Trump impose tariffs on electricity? Electricity Canada says it’s not that simple

Global Tax Deal no longer has force in the U.S. Here’s what it could mean for Canada

Army goats and 5.7 tonnes of cheese: here are the government’s strangest purchases

Democracy needs you.

Dig Deeper

Related Articles

The housing paradox: Canada builds while condos sit unsold

Canada's Labour Trafficking Problem Is Getting Worse: Intelligence Agency

More on Economy

N.B. fish plant trapped workers in debt, government alleges

Only nine of Canada’s 75 largest police services have enough women officers to break up the 'boys’ club,' analysis shows

Could Trump impose tariffs on electricity? Electricity Canada says it’s not that simple

Global Tax Deal no longer has force in the U.S. Here’s what it could mean for Canada