We thought it would be fun to gain some insight into the Committee that puts together the most amazing conference every year!Marie Kavanaugh – York Region (Conference Committee Chair)If you won $5 million dollars, what would you do first? I would book a trip with my family from my “wish list” and decide the next […]
Read more »On July 14, 2025, the Government of Canada introduced a landmark Interim Policy on Reciprocal Procurement, marking a significant departure from its longstanding “open-by-default” approach to government procurement.This policy shift is based on a principle of reciprocity: countries that do not provide Canadian suppliers, goods, and services with comparable access to their procurement markets will […]
Read more »In early June 2025 the federal government tabled the One Canadian Economy Act (referred to as “Bill C-5”) to expedite nation-building infrastructure projects and reduce interprovincial trade barriers. Bill C-5 received royal assent shortly thereafter on June 26, 2025.[1]Bill C-5 enacts two new pieces of legislation:(1) the Building Canada Act,which aims to “urgently advance” infrastructure […]
Read more »Historically, there have been two main ways that public sector organizations procure their insurance policies; Full insurance RFPs and Insurance Broker Services RFPs. While the ultimate goal is to find the best combination of price, coverage and service, the ways in which these are accomplished by the different types of RFPs vary a great deal. […]
Read more »With close to thirty years in public procurement, I’ve witnessed its evolution from a transactional or back-office function to a strategic partner that can deliver real value to an organization. Whether the strategic plan prioritizes being future ready (sustainability), exceptional service, economic vitality, service excellence, or good governance, aligning procurement activities ensures that every tax […]
Read more »Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just starting your public procurement journey, OPBA’s Mentoring Program offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside professionals you might not meet in your day-to-day work.This program fosters meaningful networking, provides valuable feedback in a judgment-free environment, and supports the transfer of knowledge across generations—empowering both Mentors […]
Read more »Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.Join us Sept 17–19 in Alliston, Ontario, for three days of learning, networking, and inspiration with 225+ public procurement professionals from across Ontario.• Sessions on AI, innovation, legal strategy & risk• Dynamic tradeshow + networking opportunities• Pre-conference workshops on Sept. 16✅ The full agenda is live! Click […]
Read more »Technology and digitalization are fundamentally transforming public procurement, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability while reducing costs and promoting innovation.By embracing digital technologies, governments and public procurement organizations can streamline processes, improve data-driven decision-making, and create a more responsive and accountable public sector.“The public procurement landscape is undergoing a significant digital transformation driven by the need […]
Read more »Don’t miss your chance to participate as an exhibitor in the 2025 Reverse Vendor Tradeshow. It’s free to exhibit and lunch is on us! It’s a great chance to: Showcase your agency’s procurement processes to vendors. Network with suppliers eager to collaborate with the public sector. Share insights on how businesses can work with your agency. Last year […]
Read more »I currently have a bid open for cleaning services and I am receiving several questions from vendors about Bill 7. Can you advise what specific information I am expected to share with vendors?Signed,Bill 7 Blues—-Dear Bill 7 Blues,You are asking a very important question, and you are certainly not alone in seeking this clarity. When […]
Read more »