Caveat Emptor - June 2025

June, 2025

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🕐 Early Bird Rate Ends July 7

Join us for the OPBA 67th Annual Conference—three days packed with insights, connections, and inspiration to elevate your procurement practice.

Theme: The Power of Procurement: When You Know, You Grow

📍 Location: Nottawasaga Resort, Alliston, ON
📅 Dates: September 17–19, 2025
🧠 Learning Hours: 48+ hours of content and networking opportunities

With over 225 delegates expected, this is your chance to learn from experts, engage with peers, and gain practical strategies to grow your impact in the public sector.

Intrigued by Andrew Wilgar’s talk at the Annual Meeting?

Don’t miss his deeper dive at the OPBA Conference, where he’ll explore AI in Procurement – What’s Fact vs. Fiction?

Speaker: Andrew Wilgar, Cofounder & CGO, GovAI
Session: Five Myths of AI Assistant Usage at Canadian Municipalities

Curious about how AI is actually being used in procurement today? This session debunks five common myths and reveals five truths about AI in local governments—grounded in real data.

You’ll learn:
•   What AI tools are really doing in municipal procurement
•   What’s hype—and what’s helpful
•   Insights to guide your organization’s next steps

✅ The full agenda is live! Click here.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.

👉 Visit the OPBA’s 67th Annual Conference & Tradeshow website to learn more and register.
⛳ Bonus: Don’t Forget the Golf Tournament!

Kick off the conference with a fun, casual networking event:
Caveat Emptor Golf Tournament – Tuesday, September 16

Meet fellow attendees on the green before the sessions begin. You can add golf to your registration when you sign up!

Questions? Contact us at conference@opba.ca.

Strengthening Public Procurement through Strategic Partnerships

SPONSORED CONTENT

Strong partnerships are essential to achieving effective public procurement outcomes. In the public sector, strategic collaboration among purchasing groups, government agencies, and key stakeholders fosters efficiency, compliance, and innovation—while generating greater value for buyers.

“Collaboration is the best opportunity to fully understand government priorities and policies. And it sets what the expectations are, in terms of what needs to be met from the government’s perspective,” says Ben Hamilton, OECM’s Vice President of Government Relations and Partnerships.

Successful Principles Training Session in Edmonton

Principles of Effective Public Procurement Certificate Program National Pilot a Success!

For over twenty years, the Principles of Effective Public Procurement Certificate program (Principles) has been considered the ‘go-to’ course for those launching their public procurement careers. Highly regarded by Ontario public sector employers and learners alike, the program delves into essential information for both newcomers to the profession and those transitioning from private procurement.

Through the Public Procurement Learning Lab, OPBA piloted a 4-day intensive workshop in partnership with Canoe Procurement from April 8–12, 2025. Principles instructors Carl Bonitto and Michelle Rasiulis led the in-person sessions, which took place in Nisku, Alberta, just outside Edmonton.

Michelle Rasiulis, CSCMP, CPPB, NIGP-CPP | OPBA Instructor and Board Member

Coming This September: OPBA Launches the Public Procurement Learning Lab

We’re excited to introduce the Public Procurement Learning Lab (PPLL) — the new home for all OPBA education programs and a more flexible, accessible way to learn.

PPLL brings together:

Our Principles and Public Procurement Specialties courses
The Principles of Effective Public Procurement Certificate Program
Ongoing professional development sessions and workshops

To better serve our members, we’re expanding how we deliver our learning opportunities:

Live online (Zoom): We’ll continue to offer select courses via Zoom through 2026
Self-paced online (new Learning Management System): Beginning September 2025, learners can work through course content at their own pace with one live class session, interactive quizzes, and assignments
In-person: Available through our Annual Conference or for large group sessions

The transition to the new learning management system (LMS) starts this September with the Principles courses, offering a more flexible and refreshed learning experience. Registration is now open for September 2025 and beyond — including both Zoom-based and PPLL delivery formats.

Check out the Upcoming Events section later in the newsletter for our September course lineup!

🌟 Member Spotlight – We Want to Feature You!

Do you or someone you know have a great story to share? We want to hear from you!

The Caveat Emptor e-newsletter is shining a light on the incredible public procurement professionals across our membership. Whether you're leading innovative projects, giving back to your community, mentoring others, or just have a unique perspective on the work we do—this is your time to shine.

Share your story or nominate a colleague to be featured in an upcoming Member Spotlight.

Submissions can highlight professional achievements, career journeys, lessons learned, or personal passions that inspire your work.

📩 Submit your story or nomination to Serena Wilgress at swilgress@thebluemountains.ca.

Together, let’s shine a light on the great work happening across our membership.

FEATURE SPOTLIGHT

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.

Procuring Insurance – Considerations for the Public Sector

In an ever-evolving world, risk exists across all departments and levels of an organization. Managing these risks is paramount to the long-term health and well-being of both public and private entities. For many organizations, procuring insurance is a big, if not the biggest, component of risk management. This article will explore several considerations for entities when procuring insurance.

Consideration #1: The Insurance Market is Cyclical

The global insurance market is typically defined as a soft market or a hard market. During a soft market, there is greater capacity, and insurers are willing to take on more risk. This results in greater competition for risk which typically leads to lower premiums and deductible offerings, greater coverage and fewer exclusions to the policy. During a hard market, there is less capacity, and insurers are looking for the best risks. This typically results in higher premiums and deductible offerings, contracted coverage and more exclusions.

Shannon Devane, Program Manager – Municipal Risk Management, AMO LAS

Ontario's Discriminatory Business Practices Act: A Barrier to Pro-Canadian Initiatives?

As tensions around protectionism rise, especially in light of U.S. “Buy American” policies, Canadian federal and provincial governments and their public sector entities are feeling compelled to push back by finding ways to avoid buying US goods or working with US suppliers. For Ontario public sector organizations, doing so could put them squarely in the crosshairs of Ontario’s Discriminatory Business Practices Act (ODBPA).

Ontario’s Unique Legal Landscape

Ontario appears to stand alone in Canada with legislation specifically aimed at preventing business discrimination on geographic or national grounds. Described by some as a "human rights code for businesses," the ODBPA prohibits discriminatory business practices on the basis of geographical location or origin.

Lise Patry, LXM LAW LLP

New Members

OPBA warmly welcomes the following new members:

•   Kelly Balcom, City of Vaughan
•   Paul Dhillon, City of Vaughan
•   Melissa Anderson, City of Timmins
•   Jessica Brown, City of Markham
•   Craig Dorey, Workplace Safety & Insurance Board
•   Brayden Reeves, City of London
•   Mike Soules, Utilities Kingston

OPBA warmly welcomes the following new associates:

• Lisa George, Agricorp

Boost Your Professional Development!

There’s no better time to invest in your growth—why not book a course or two? Explore our upcoming educational sessions below and take the next step in your procurement journey.

Procurement Specialists Meeting

Monday, June 23, 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET
Virtual Event

Registration closes on June 20, 2025

Join us quarterly for an inclusive gathering of procurement peers! These meetings provide a welcoming space for professionals engaged in procurement within their organizations, regardless of title. Each session features a structured yet flexible format, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to contribute, share insights, and discuss current topics of interest. Come ready to ask questions, listen, and connect with peers during this interactive virtual networking experience.

Note: These sessions are specifically designed for professionals actively involved in procurement and are not intended for people leaders who do not directly procure goods and services.

Have a burning question or discussion topic? Send it to events@opba.ca at least one week before the meeting.

A free, OPBA member-exclusive opportunity! Attendees can earn two (2) contact hours for participating.

Fall 2025 Course Registration Now Open!

Registration is also open for all Principles and Public Procurement Specialties courses from September to December. Our Public Procurement Learning Lab courses will launch in September and run alongside our Zoom offerings. Space is limited, so plan ahead and register early!

Build Your Foundation with our Principles Program

Our Principles Program courses provide essential training in public sector procurement, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to excel.

Principles - Procurement and the Law (Virtual - PPLL)

Course Access: September 2 – 30, 2025
Mandatory Live Zoom Session: Monday, September 29, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM ET
Registration Deadline: August 25, 2025

Delivery Format: Self-paced online + mandatory live Zoom session

This course is delivered through OPBA’s Public Procurement Learning Lab (PPLL) using the Brightspace learning platform.

This is a blended learning experience, combining self-directed online learning with a live instructor-led session. You’ll work through readings, quizzes, and assignments at your own pace throughout the month.

Principles - Introduction to Public Procurement (Virtual - PPLL)

Course Access: September 2 – 30, 2025
Mandatory Live Zoom Session: Monday, September 29, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Registration Deadline: August 25, 2025

Delivery Format: Self-paced online + mandatory live Zoom session

This course is delivered through OPBA’s Public Procurement Learning Lab (PPLL) using the Brightspace learning platform.

Public Procurement Specialties Courses

Our Public Procurement Specialties courses are designed for those ready to advance their skills.

RFPs - A Step-by-Step Guide for Public Procurement Professionals

June 28 - 29, 2025
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Virtual Learning

Registration closes Friday, June 20, 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.

Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) Exam Preparation 2-Day Course

September 8 + 9, 2025
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Virtual Learning

Registration closes September 2, 2025

The Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) is a recognized certification designed for procurement professionals performing essential functions within the procurement cycle. Upon meeting the eligibility criteria, learners must also complete the CPPB exam as the final step in earning their CPPB certification.

Please note, any queries around exam eligibility can only be answered by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC) as they manage the CPPB certification.

Preparation is important and the CPPB BoK-C (Body of Knowledge and Competencies) is your best resource. The CPPB BoK-C will guide your preparation efforts as it provides a comprehensive listing of the content that you will find on the exam, as well as the number of questions that will be presented from each of the content domains that comprise the BoK-C for CPPB.

Click here to view our course calendar and register.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

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.

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

Showcase Your Agency at the 2025 Reverse Vendor Tradeshow

Calling all OPBA member agencies—join us as an exhibitor at the 6th Annual Reverse Vendor Tradeshow on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Pearson Convention Centre.

Participation is free, and your involvement helps strengthen public procurement by building valuable connections with the vendor community.

This year’s event will feature:

✅ Opportunities to showcase how vendors can do business with your agency
✅ Face-to-face networking with suppliers from across sectors
✅ Speed Networking – optional 10-minute one-on-one meetings with vendors booked in advance
✅ Best Dressed Table Contest – show off your agency spirit!

Bonus: Every participating agency will be entered into a draw to win a FREE registration for the 2026 OPBA Annual Conference!

Event Details

📅 Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
📍 Location: Pearson Convention Centre
🕘 Set-Up: 8:00 – 9:30 AM
🛍 Tradeshow: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
🏨 Hotel: Hilton Garden Brampton (corporate rate TBD)
💲 Cost: FREE – includes lunch for your team
________________________________________
What’s Included for Exhibitors?

•   6’x3’ tabletop with chairs
•   Your agency’s logo featured on the OPBA website
•   Lunch provided for all team members
•   Optional Speed Networking (6 vendor meetings per round, all scheduled by OPBA)
________________________________________
Reserve your spot today!

Complete the sign-up form and send it to Wendy Gan at wendy@opba.ca.
Let’s work together to make procurement more accessible, transparent, and vendor-friendly.

Job Opportunities

Job Title

Company

Director, Procurement

TTC

Buyer, The Region of Durham

The Region of Durham

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..

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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