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OPBA Chair Featured on CBC Windsor News |
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Victoria Mirlocca, OPBA Chair |
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Our OPBA Chair, Victoria Mirlocca, recently appeared on CBC Windsor News (Feb. 7) to discuss the implications of a “Buy Canada” approach in light of U.S. tariffs. She highlighted key procurement considerations, including the complexities of existing contracts and the reality that some goods must still be sourced from the U.S.
To watch the segment, visit CBC News (Victoria’s comments begin at 4:33).
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Build Successful Team and Supplier Relationships through Collaboration
SPONSORED CONTENT |
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Today’s businesses and business leaders face unprecedented complexity in their efforts to drive innovative growth within an ever-changing market and environment.
On the employee side of their business, successful leaders must build loyal relationships with their multigenerational and multicultural employees who have greater reward, recognition, and support expectations.
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Congratulations to Our Caveat Emptor Trivia Contest Winner! 🎉
We had a blast revisiting key highlights from past issues of Caveat Emptor in our December 2024 Trivia Contest!
A big congratulations to Bianca Dragicevic from the Municipality of Trent Lakes, who answered all nine questions and won a $25 Amazon gift card!
Special shoutout to Lisa Scheffler, Victoria Iaccino, and Liz McGee for their impressive efforts. Thank you to everyone who participated—we hope you had fun testing your knowledge!
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March is Procurement Month: OPBA's Educational Series to Enhance Procurement Excellence |
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March is Procurement Month and OPBA is excited to present a series of weekly educational sessions. These sessions are free for OPBA members and designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of procurement professionals.
Here’s a lineup of the sessions and their details: |
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Why We Work for the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB)
Rosalia La Corte, Director, Strategic Sourcing
Ask any member of our Strategic Sourcing team why they work at WSIB, and you’ll hear a range of answers—opportunities for growth, a strong commitment to diversity and mental health, a culture of innovation, work-life balance, employee engagement, our values —but two common themes emerge: purpose and community. We are a resilient team of procurement professionals, with over 200 years of combined supply chain and procurement experience, spanning both private and public sectors, and we choose to work here because we believe in the impact we can make. |
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UPPCC Certification Updates: Fee Discounts & New CPPB Prep Guide
UPPCC Initial and Recertification Fee Discounts
As OPBA is a recognized partner of UPPCC, OPBA members are eligible for a discount when they apply for certification or recertification. The discounts include $125 off of the Application Fee and $50 off the Recertification Fee. |
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Revised Principles of Effective Public Procurement textbook available soon!
We are delighted to announce that the newest edition of the "Principles of Effective Public Procurement" textbook will be available within the next 2-3 weeks. This update, the first since 2014, contains the most current information and aligns with the Principles Certificate curriculum. The 2024 edition is consistent with the previous edition by providing the best comprehensive overview of public purchasing currently available in a Canadian context that is non-academic and free from complicated legal language.. |
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Official Launch of OPBA’s Mentoring Program |
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We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the OPBA Mentoring Program—a unique opportunity for seasoned professionals and those newer to the profession to connect, share knowledge, and grow together in the dynamic world of public procurement. This program is designed to foster networking, provide objective feedback, and support personal and professional development for both Mentors and Mentees.
Mentors + Mentees Wanted: Learn more |
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Don’t Miss Out on Important Updates! |
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To ensure you’re receiving all OPBA newsletters, event announcements, and important updates, please add @opba.ca to your email whitelist or safe sender list.
By doing this, you’ll stay connected and won’t miss:
✅ Our monthly Caveat Emptor newsletter
✅ Upcoming event details and course registrations
✅ Member updates and key opportunities
Take a moment today to whitelist @opba.ca—we don’t want you to miss a thing!
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OECM Launches 3rd Generation EUC Agreement
OECM, Ontario’s trusted partner in collaborative strategic sourcing, proudly announces the launch of its third-generation End-User Computing (EUC) Products and Related Services Agreement. Since its initial introduction in 2012, the EUC Agreement has been instrumental in supporting Ontario’s Education, Municipal, and Broader Public Sector (BPS) customers.
Discover the benefits of the new EUC Agreement today at bit.ly/4hE6M9T
Contact Us
For more information, please contact OECM's dedicated Customer Support team via email at customersupport@oecm.ca.
Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest OECM news and agreements.
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Negotiation Epics - Expanding the Pie and Claiming the Value |
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Authored by Ping Ge, Supervisor, Contract Administration – MiWay Transit, City of Mississauga, and Annie Liu, Lead Estimator, Metrolinx
After participating in Harvard Business School (HBS)’s online course—Negotiation Mastery—and revisiting several acclaimed negotiation classic books, we would like to share some fundamental insights.
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NCPP’s 2025 Above & Beyond Awards |
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National Procurement Month (March) is just around the corner, along with the annual NCPP Above & Beyond Awards! Throughout the month, 12 individuals and 3 teams will be recognized—but we need your nominations!
Know a colleague, manager, or peer who goes Above & Beyond in their procurement role? Or a team that truly makes a difference across the organization? Now’s your chance to recognize them!
Submit your nomination today and help celebrate excellence in procurement.
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GET COACHING SUPPORT FOR YOUR CIRCULAR ECONOMY INITIATIVES |
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The Canadian Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) team is pleased to offer its cohort members complimentary coaching sessions facilitated by renowned Canadian and international circular economy experts to help support your project regardless of what stage it is at. |
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Renew Your 2025 OPBA Membership – Unlock Exclusive Benefits! Deadline: March 31 |
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Thank you for your contributions this year as an OPBA member! We're grateful to have the vibrant community we do, and it wouldn't be possible without you. Now that membership renewal season is upon us, we hope you'll join us again in 2025 to continue learning, networking, and taking advantage of all the member perks we have to offer.
Boost Your Professional Growth:
• Save 18% off all Principles courses fees
• Get 50% off registration fee for Coffee with Counsel & OPBA Ignite workshops
• Enjoy 17% off Principles Textbooks |
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New Members
OPBA warmly welcomes the following new members:
• Nicole Gulli, Algoma District School Board
• Barb Aabo, Regional Municipality of York
• Heather Weese, The Corporation of the Municipality of Red Lake |
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Start Saving in 2025 with Perkopolis!
Did you know a perk of being an OPBA member is getting access to Perkopolis? Perkopolis is free to join, has no user fees, and gives you exclusive entertainment and lifestyle discounts, gift card rewards and much more! To join OPBA’s Perkopolis program, please email members@opba.ca with the e-mail address you would like associate with your Perkopolis account, and you’ll hear from us soon with next steps. |
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Boost Your Professional Development This February!
Here’s no better time to invest in your growth—why not book a course or two? Explore our upcoming offerings below and take the next step in your procurement journey.
Plus, don’t forget to register for the March Procurement Month Weekly Educational Series—free for OPBA members
Click here to view our course calendar and register.
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Navigating Trade Tensions: Tariffs, Sanctions, and Procurement in Canada
OPBA Ignite Session
February 25, 2025 - 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET
Virtual Event
Registration closes February 24, 2025, 12:00 PM ET
With U.S. tariffs looming, some premiers warn that retaliatory trade sanctions could backfire, sparking a national unity crisis between Canada’s federal and provincial governments. This session delves into the challenges faced by “Team Canada,” highlighting the track record of federal and provincial leaders in negotiating trade deals and addressing procurement-related treaty compliance. It will also explore whether local Canadian public institutions should consider imposing tendering sanctions against U.S. suppliers.
Presenter: Paul Emanuelli, General Counsel and Managing Director of The Procurement Office
Paul Emanuelli is an internationally renowned author and procurement lawyer with over 25 years of experience in public procurement. Recognized by Who’s Who Legal as one of the top ten public procurement lawyers globally, Paul is a leading authority in public procurement practices.
His expertise includes advising public institutions on strategic procurement governance and overseeing high-profile technology and public infrastructure projects. Over the past two decades, Paul has trained and presented to thousands of procurement professionals across North America, partnering with leading industry organizations.
Before founding The Procurement Office, Paul served as Crown Counsel with the Ontario Attorney General, where he led the Government of Ontario’s Procurement Lawyers Group and provided counsel on major procurement initiatives.
Register Here
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Principles - Competitive Bidding
March 5 - 6, 2025
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Virtual Learning
Registration closes February 26, 2025
This course gives a detailed examination of the tendering & request for proposal processes. It includes concepts, issues and the resolution of issues relating to preparing and issuing the procurement documents as well as the ultimate receiving, opening and checking of bids. Participants will be given an overview of the various components comprising tenders and request for proposals documents and the differences of each.
Register Here
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RFPs - A Step by Step Guide for Public Procurement
March 12 - 13, 2025
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Virtual Learning
Registration closes March 5, 2025
In this course, participants will uncover the secrets behind crafting successful Request for Proposals. The content is presented in an easily digestible format, providing an overview of RFP-related issues and responsibilities. Participants will have an in-depth look at all elements of the RFP process, including policies and procedures, RFP templates, methodology, communications with proponents, compliance, price proposals, contract assembly, and more. By the end of the training, participants will understand all facets of the RFP process, including how to provide relevant information during debriefings.
Register Here
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NEW - Supplier Performance
March 14, 2025
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Virtual Learning
Registration closes March 6, 2025
Contractor/Supplier/Consultant (Suppliers) Performance Program (the Program) sets out the guidelines for managing the performance of Suppliers. The program is administered in accordance with the agency’s procurement policy. The project manager is responsible for administering the program in accordance with the policy.
The purpose of this training is to provide support with supplier performance trends that will be assessed over both the short and long term to provide suppliers with feedback and to facilitate continuous improvement, where required. Feedback from the project manager to the supplier will be provided through written evaluation as described below.
Register Here
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Principles - Introduction to Construction
March 19 - 20, 2025
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Virtual Learning
Registration closes March 12, 2025
The Introduction to Construction is an elective of the Principles Certificate program. The course content has been updated to ensure that learners receive current information related to construction procurement in today’s environment. This course provides a step-by-step description of the process to retain a general contractor for construction using the design/bid/build contract model and stipulated price contract.
Register Here
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OPBA’s CPPB Prep Course Now Open for Registration!
April 10 + 11, 2025
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM*
Virtual Learning
*specific course timing may change, but please expect a full two-day course
Registration closes April 2, 2025
As a recognized training partner of the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC), the Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA) has developed this two-day examination preparation course based on the BoK-C. Led by a qualified instructor, the course will cover the six (6) domain areas which comprise the BoK-C for the CPPB exam. The course will help learners understand their strengths and the areas that require additional focus. If you are unsure if you are eligible to write the CPPB exam, please contact UPPCC.
Register Here |
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OTHER EVENTS
Showcase Your Procurement Excellence: Apply for the 2025 AEP Award
The National Procurement Institute, Inc. and CPPC invite you to highlight your organization’s achievements by applying for the prestigious 2025 AEP Award. The 2025 AEP Application and Summary of Changes are now available, giving you everything you need to prepare a strong submission.
Not familiar with the award? Join CPPC’s free webinar on February 25 at 1 PM EST, where Executive Director François Emond, an AEP Evaluator, will provide an overview of the program and its benefits. Whether you’re planning to apply this year or just exploring future opportunities, this session will cover key details and offer a chance to ask questions about recognizing procurement excellence in your organization.
📌 Who can attend?
- Free for CPPC and OPBA members
- Non-members can join for a minimal fee
📌 Can’t make it live?
A recording will be available until March 15, but registration is required—sign up today! |
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NIGP's Competency Module: Contract Management and Performance
Date: 03/24/2025 - 03/25/2025
Start Time: 8:00 AM Eastern Time
End Time: 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Instructor: Ms. Lynda Allair, NIGP-CPP, CPPO
Focus Areas:
- Contract Administration
- Contract Management and Performance
Our own OPBA member, Lynda Allair, will be instructing this course!
Contract management and performance are crucial in public procurement, ensuring all parties meet obligations, thus fostering successful collaborations. NIGP’s Competency Module: Contract Management and Performance is a foundation-level, activity-based learning experience emphasizing legal clauses, supplier relationship management, and effective communication skills. This course equips professionals with essential competencies to navigate the complexities of contract administration and enhance their procurement skills. By mastering these skills, individuals can optimize contract performance, elevate their expertise, and advance their careers in public procurement.
Registration on the NIGP website here.
Be sure to mention you’re an OPBA member when you sign up! |
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GovDeals
“Building the Bridge Between Transportation and Sustainable Practices: How Governments Selling Online Benefits the Global Economy and Constituents” highlights the critical role of online sales in liquidating government assets. Encompassing a wide array of properties, vehicles, and commercial products, online auctions not only streamline government processes but also take an important step in building better futures for surplus disposition powered by the circular economy.
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Expedite and Simplify Your Projects with Job Order Contracting (JOC)
Whether it’s repairs, renovations, upgrades or straightforward construction, JOC allows you to put contractors in place immediately on a substantial number of projects with one, competitively awarded contract.
Watch Video Now |
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Osgoode Professional development |
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Members get 10% off the following OsgoodePD programs using code OPBA-10
National Annual Symposium on Contract Law
Mar 5, 2025 | Online (Replay)
In this one-day signature OsgoodePD symposium, our exceptional faculty of contract litigators, transactional counsel, academics and judges will guide you through the most important developments of the past year. |
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Save the Date: 2025 Reverse Vendor Tradeshow |
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📅 Date: October 29, 2025
📍 Venue: Pearson Convention Centre
Calling All OPBA Member Agencies—Participate for Free!
Don’t miss your chance to participate as an exhibitor in the 2025 Reverse Vendor Tradeshow. This event is your opportunity 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.
💡 Sign up early to secure your spot!
Contact OPBA today to reserve your space and be part of this exciting event.
Mark your calendar now—more details coming soon!
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Corporate Buyer - City of Kingston |
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Advertising and Sponsored Content in the Caveat Emptor enews:
The OPBA is diversifying its revenue sources so that we are not solely reliant on revenue generated through membership fees. Our goals are to strengthen the financial health of the association and continue to deliver valued member services while maintaining a reasonable cost of membership. We appreciate the support of our partner vendors and suppliers, many of whom have advertising and sponsored content in this enews. Articles provided by advertisers are solely for the purpose of raising awareness. OPBA does not endorse, promote, or advocate any products and services.. |
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www.opba.ca | Media Kit | Archive
The Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA) is a not-for-profit professional association representing public procurement professionals throughout Ontario. We promote the ethical and effective expenditure of public funds and encourage excellence in public purchasing through our continuing professional development opportunities, the encouragement of certification programs and through networking among our members. |
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