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From all of us at OPBA, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with relaxation, celebration, and cherished moments with family and friends.
Please note: Our office will be closed from December 24, 2024, to January 1, 2025.
Wishing you holiday cheer,
The OPBA Team
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County of Simcoe Resources on the Sudbury Case and OHSA |
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Our recent OPBA Coffee with Counsel session on Due Diligence in Construction Procurement was a great success! Catherine Payne from the County of Simcoe, along with Paul Conrod and Faren Bogach from Construct Legal, delivered an insightful webinar on the implications of the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in R v. Greater Sudbury. |
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OPBA Honoured with CSAE Association Centre of Excellence Award |
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The Ontario Public Buyers Association is proud to receive the CSAE Association Centre of Excellence Award for its innovative “Levelling Up” Education Sponsorship Program. We thank our partners, OECM, bids & tenders, and Gordian, for their support of the Principles modernization project and look forward to launching the Public Procurement Learning Lab platform in September 2025. The award was presented to the Board of Directors at their December planning meeting. |
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Mentors + Mentees Wanted: OPBA’s Mentoring Program Launching January 2025! |
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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. |
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Join the Team: OPBA Still Has Volunteer Spots Available! |
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Want to make a difference in the OPBA community? Volunteering is a fantastic way to contribute, connect, and shape the programs and services we offer. Whether you’re a seasoned procurement pro or just starting out, there’s a spot for you! Plus, all committees meet virtually—so it’s easy to get involved.
Here’s where we still have spots open:
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Announcing OECM’s WEBSITE SCAVENGER HUNT Winners!
Thank you to everyone who participated in our LEARN AND WIN SCAVENGER HUNT. The three (3) lucky winners who answered all questions correctly first are:
- Tricia Gammon Holness - Procurement Specialist, City of Hamilton
- Trevor Tovell - Purchasing Manager, Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation
- Lisa Scheffler - Procurement Agent, Town of Lincoln
Congratulations! Your gift cards will be sent to you via email shortly.
Questions about any of OECM’s agreements? Contact our Dedicated Customer Support email at: customersupport@oecm.ca or 1-844-OECM(6326)-900
Website: https://oecm.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oecm
X: @OECMCollaborate |
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Call for Speakers – OPBA 67th Annual Conference and Tradeshow |
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September 17–19, 2025 | Nottawasaga Inn Resort, Alliston, ON
OPBA is now accepting proposals for speakers for our 67th Annual Conference and Tradeshow. This year’s theme, “The Power of Procurement: When You Know, You Grow!”, explores key drivers like AI, digital transformation, innovative technologies, and responsible fiscal management shaping the future of public procurement.
We invite public procurement professionals, suppliers, consultants, and stakeholders to share insights, best practices, and innovative ideas that contribute to professional growth and sector advancement. Whether tailored for newer professionals or seasoned practitioners, your session could inspire and energize over 225 attendees expected to join us.
Submit your proposal today! Download the Call for Speakers document for full details.
[Download Call for Speakers]
Proposals must be submitted electronically by February 10, 2025.
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Test Your Knowledge with the Caveat Emptor Trivia Contest and Win! |
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Put your Caveat knowledge to the test! We’re excited to launch the Caveat Trivia Contest, a fun way to revisit key highlights from past issues and see how much you’ve learned.
How it works:
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Answer 9 questions based on Caveat Emptor articles.
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Each question includes the issue date where the answer can be found—feel free to look it up in the OPBA Member Portal (Resources → Communications → Archived News) or click here.
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Complete the quiz by January 15, 2025, for your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card!
When you’re ready to start, click HERE.
The winner will be announced in the February issue of the Caveat Emptor Newsletter. Good luck!
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The AI Revolution: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Municipal Procurement |
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SPONSORED CONTENT |
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While some industries have called the surge in artificial intelligence (AI) challenging, many others are utilizing groundbreaking technology to create more advanced and efficient processes–and when it comes to municipal procurement, the impact of AI is not only positive, it’s profound. In this continuation of our series on municipal procurement and technology, we explore the impact AI is beginning to have on the procurement landscape. We also provide tips for procurement professionals on how to harness the power of technology to improve efficiency, streamline processes, and drive better outcomes for their organizations. |
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Dear Erb,
Is there a process our organization should follow when it comes to conducting debriefs when requested? What feedback is appropriate to share with the proponents?
Sincerely,
Debrief Relief
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Sustainable Procurement Barometer 2024 Survey |
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Deadline Extended!
Great news—the deadline to submit your responses has been extended to December 31, 2024! This gives even more organizations the chance to participate and gain valuable insights from the Barometer.
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OPBA participated in the Meshkdoonaa Anishinabek - AN Procurement Fair on November 18 to support Indigenous procurement and foster new opportunities for economic growth and collaboration across industries. This significant event strengthened connections between First Nation enterprises, the Anishinabek Nation, and the public sector. Throughout the trade show, Procurement Assistance Canada-Ontario Region (PAC-OR) hosted a breakout session, and the Anishinabek Nation facilitated a Retail Advisory Circle with member-owned retail business owners.
Special thanks to the County of Simcoe and the Town of Collingwood for joining OPBA in supporting this important event, which plays a key role in shaping the future of First Nation procurement and advancing business opportunities for our Nations.
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Renew Your OPBA Membership for 2025—Unlock Exclusive Benefits!
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:
• Ivona Insley, Township of Mapleton
• Hemasree Adupa, Regional Municipality of York
• Peter Hwang, Regional Municipality of York
• Ishan Manan, Regional Municipality of York
• Michelle Pearson, Regional Municipality of York
• Erica Garden, City of Cornwall
• Tracy Nowak, Town of The Blue Mountains
• Jessica Ruan, City of Toronto |
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Start planning ahead for 2025!
In 2024, the Principles Certificate Program saw record success with exam writers and participants. In 2025, we’ll continue offering these courses with exciting changes as we transition to the Brightspace platform in September. Until then, you can build your skills with our virtual Zoom courses.
Starting January 3, 2025, registration fees for Principles courses, including RFPs and Supplier Performance, will increase by 3%.
Click here to view our course calendar and register before January 3 to secure 2024 pricing!
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Principles - Introduction to Public Procurement
January 15 - 16, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Virtual Learning
DESCRIPTION
This course is the pre-requisite for the Principles of Effective Public Procurement certificate program, giving an introduction to policy and procedures, authority and agency, the public procurement cycle and other aspects of the function of procurement. Candidates will be given an overview of legal considerations procurement staff need to know when developing and handling bid documents, deciding the best procurement option (tender and RFP processes), as well as discuss centralized versus decentralized procurement systems.
Register Here
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Principles - Risk Management
January 22 - 23, 2025
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Virtual Learning
DESCRIPTION
This course examines the various issues with managing risk when purchasing goods and services in the public sector. Candidates are given an overview of common risk issues, including those of ownership and copyright, the right to privacy, competitive bidding irregularities, occupational health and safety, environmental responsibilities and accountability in terms of personal and corporate liability.
Register Here
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People Leaders Meeting
Friday, January 24, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Virtual Event
Join us for a unique and inclusive gathering of procurement peers where the spirit of collaboration takes center stage! Our People Leader’s Meetings are a welcoming space for management/leadership level procurement professionals who lead others within their organization, regardless of their title. Starting in 2025, there will be four (4) people leader meetings - three virtual and one in-person (at the conference).
Our goal is to cultivate a culture of open dialogue, curiosity, and inclusivity among peers in a safe environment. People Leaders are welcome to share their perspectives and engage in a free-flowing exchange of ideas, problem solving and sharing. This is an opportunity to learn from one another, broaden perspectives, and strengthen the bond within our network of procurement professionals.
This session is built with a structured yet flexible format that ensures everyone's voice is heard and respected. Come prepared to ask, listen, and connect with your fellow peers. Let's create a space where the power of sharing becomes a catalyst for personal and collective growth.
Register Here |
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Procurement Specialists Meeting (formerly Buyers Meeting)
Mon, Jan 27, 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Virtual Event
We have rebranded the "Buyers Meeting" to "Procurement Specialists Meeting" to better reflect the broader scope and role of public procurement professionals.
Join us quarterly for a unique and inclusive gathering of procurement peers! Our Procurement Specialists Meetings offer a welcoming space for professionals in a Procurement capacity within their organization, regardless of title. These facilitated sessions use a structured yet flexible format that ensure everyone’s voice is heard and that current topics of interest are shared and discussed. Come prepared to ask questions, listen, and connect with peers in this virtual networking session.
Note: These sessions are designed for those actively involved in procurement and are not intended for people leaders who do not directly procure goods and services.
Register Here
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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.
I trust that these resources will assist you in crafting a compelling and informative article. Please let me know when we can expect the first draft, or if you have any questions or require additional assistance.
Watch Video Now |
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Join OPBA Today! |
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OPBA |
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As a thought leader in public procurement, OPBA offers a wealth of information, education, and resources designed to help you improve your skills and abilities and advance your public procurement career through professional development and peer networking.
Unique to the public sector, public procurement professionals aren’t in competition with each other; consequently, OPBA members welcome the opportunity to support their colleagues to excel in their profession.
When you join OPBA, you are:
- Investing in your Career
- Increase your knowledge and enhance your value to your employer by learning from subject matter experts.
- Growing Your Professional Network
- Gain access to a broad network of public procurement professionals who are willing to share resources and support each other.
- Supporting Your Profession
- A strong professional association results in a stronger advocacy voice for the profession.
- and more!
- Our Member Perks Program adds value to your membership and can save you money.
For more information contact us at members@opba.ca or 905-682-2644 ext. 255. |
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Job Opportunities |
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OPBA |
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City of Toronto - Corporate Buyer |
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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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