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Meet the 2025–2026 OPBA Board of Directors
We’re pleased to introduce the OPBA Board of Directors for the 2025–2026 term! This dedicated group of public procurement professionals will help guide OPBA’s strategic direction and advance our mission of supporting excellence in public procurement across Ontario. |
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A big thank you to all our Board members for volunteering their time, insight, and leadership.
👥 Get Involved
Interested in shaping the future of public procurement? We encourage all individual members to consider volunteering with OPBA—whether on a committee, task force, or special project, your voice matters.
Reach out to Flo Esibi at flo@opba.ca to learn more about volunteer opportunities. |
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Strengthening Public Procurement through Strategic Partnerships
SPONSORED CONTENT |
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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. |
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Principles of Effective Public Procurement Certificate Recipients |
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The OPBA proudly congratulates the following individuals for successfully completing the Principles of Effective Public Procurement Program and earning their Principles Certificate.
Your dedication to advancing public procurement excellence is an inspiration—well done!
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Samantha Ramoutar -The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Knicholas Dawe - City of Cambridge
Andrea Geoffrey - City of Cambridge
Krista Romano - York Catholic District School Board
Andrea Hall - Regional Municipality of York
Dylan Hine - District School Board of Niagara
Jennifer May - Town of Midland
Christina Hall - Community Care Durham
Kouakou Armand Tehia - Centre d'excellence en approvisionnement FRANCOacahat
Cory Vegh - District School Board of Niagara
Brad Peters - District School Board of Niagara
Jenny Poon - Workplace Safety & Insurance Appeals Tribunal
Barb Aabo - Regional Municipality of York
Ting Chun Steve Ng - Hyundai Mobis Parts Canada
Mercedes Hall - City of Waterloo
Valerie Mumbo - City of Terrace
Sarah Boyd - County of Peterborough |
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Coming This September: A New Home for OPBA Learning |
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The Public Procurement Learning Lab (PPLL) will launch this September. This is a major step forward in how OPBA delivers education and professional development programs.
This new learning hub will support OPBA members and public procurement professionals across Canada with more accessible, flexible, and modern ways to learn.
What’s Inside the PPLL
The Learning Lab brings together all our core learning programs, including:
• The Principles of Effective Public Procurement Certificate Program
• Our Principles and Public Procurement Specialties courses
• Professional development sessions and workshops
More Ways to Learn
The PPLL offers learners, members, and participants more flexible, accessible, and modern ways to learn, including:
• Live online (Zoom): We’ll continue to offer select courses in this format through 2026
• Self-paced online: Beginning this fall, select courses will move to our new Learning Management System (LMS) that lets you work through content on your own time—with quizzes, assignments, and one virtual session with your instructor
• In-person: Available through the Annual Conference and large group offerings
Supporting You, as Always
While the PPLL modernizes the learning experience, your day-to-day interaction with our training programs remains familiar:
• You’ll still register for courses and Pro-D events just as easily as before
• You’ll continue to benefit from expert instruction and live interaction, even in self-paced formats
We’ll continue sharing updates in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, be sure to check the Upcoming Events section of this newsletter for a sneak peek at the September course lineup—and consider bookmarking the page to stay informed as new sessions are added throughout the year. |
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Join us September 17–19, 2025, at the Nottawasaga Resort & Conference Centre for OPBA’s premier event, for three days of connection, collaboration, and learning — plus our annual Caveat Emptor Golf Tournament.
✅ 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.
Questions? Contact us at conference@opba.ca.
⛳ Bonus: Don’t Forget the Golf Tournament!
Tee Up with Your Public Procurement Peers!
Kick off the conference with a relaxed and casual networking event — no golf experience needed! Whether you’re joining solo or bringing a team, it’s a great way to connect, win prizes, and start the conference with some fun in the sun.
What’s Included?
✔ 18 holes of golf
✔ Delicious lunch
✔ Great prizes
✔ Friendly faces & laughs along the way
How to Register - $120
• Registering for the Conference? Add golf during checkout.
• Already registered? Just create a new registration and select “Caveat Emptor Cup Golf Tournament: Links, Lunch & Learn ONLY.”
• Just golfing? You’re welcome too — register for the tournament on its own.
Let’s hit the fairway and make memories — see you on the green!
Questions? Reach out to:
📧 Scott Agnello – scott.agnello@wrps.on.ca
📧 Jason Wilhelm – jason.wilhelm@waterloo.ca
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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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New Tool Helps Public Sector Estimate Tariff Costs on Capital Projects |
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AMO is excited to introduce a new modelling tool developed by Oxford Economics to help public sector organizations estimate tariff costs on capital construction projects. Designed in close consultation with municipal public works leaders and treasurers, this tool offers a practical, data-informed way to understand and communicate tariff-related cost pressures. |
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On Demand: NIGP Headliner: Tariffs and the New World Order: What's a Buyer to do
Navigating the Impact of Tariffs on Government Contracts
Date: 04/16/2025 - 10/01/2025
Format: On Demand
Contact Hours: 1.5
Today’s headlines are dominated by discussions of tariffs—threats of new ones, implementation of existing ones, reciprocal tariffs, quotas, and other national-level market control measures. Whether merely proposed or actively enforced, tariffs can disrupt markets in significant ways. This session explores strategies to proactively and fairly manage these risks.
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Coming Soon? – The Latest Revisions to Ontario’s Construction Act |
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By: Jason J. Annibale and Natasha Rodrigues
On November 6, 2024, the Building Ontario For You Act (“Bill 216”), which includes several key amendments to the Construction Act (the “Act”), received Royal Assent. The amendments to the Act originate from an independent review, industry consultation, and final report prepared at the request of the Attorney General.
According to the Province’s Regulatory Registry, the amendments to the Act are intended to “alleviate administrative burdens experienced within the construction industry associated with payment matters by encouraging timely payment and more efficient dispute resolution.”
It was initially anticipated that the amendments to the Act might come into force as early as Q1 or Q2 2025. However, the amendments have yet to take effect and it remains uncertain as to when exactly they will.
This article considers what are perhaps the three most significant changes that Bill 216 makes to the Act: |
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Dear Erb,
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
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Explore Canada’s Latest Trends in Sustainable Public Procurement
The 2024 State of Sustainable Procurement in Canada Annual Report is now available! Discover key insights and emerging trends, and see what members of the Canadian Collaboration for Sustainable Procurement (CCSP) have achieved over the past year.
Interested in joining the CCSP network? Contact ccsp@reeveconsulting.com to receive a discounted rate for the remainder of the year.
📥 Download the report: reeveconsulting.com/about-ccsp
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New Members
OPBA warmly welcomes the following new members:
• Gabriella Turpin, Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l'Est ontarien
• Sarah Barker, City of Sarnia
• Dhruv Bhatt, City of Guelph
• Rose Jackson, District Municipality of Muskoka
• Sebastian Kobler, The Royal Mental Health Centre
• Leasa Buitenhuis, City of Kitchener
OPBA warmly welcomes the following new associates:
• Kate Moon, In Transition / Public Procurement Prospects
• Trang To, First Student Ancaster
• Cindy Nelles, Municipality of Callander
• Trang Le, George Brown College |
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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. |
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OPBA Ignite: Bid-Rigging Awareness Session |
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October 1, 2025 at 10:00 - 11:30 AM ET
Format: Interactive Zoom meeting
Registration closes on September 29, 2025
The Competition Bureau’s bid-rigging awareness session is targeted to professionals who work in procurement and contracting departments. The presentation will provide an overview of the Bureau’s work and the bid-rigging provision of the Competition Act. In addition, the Bureau will offer warning signs on how to detect bid-rigging, including real case examples, as well as, tips to protect the integrity of your organization’s procurement activities.
Presenters:
Zachary Lacasse and Cassandra Clayman at Competition Bureau (GoC), Competition Law Officers from the Cartels Directorate
The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that advocates for and protects Canadian consumers and works to foster a competitive and innovative marketplace in which Canadian businesses can prosper. The Cartels Directorate detects, investigates and deters hard core cartels, including conspiracies, agreements or arrangements among competitors and potential competitors to fix prices, rig bids, allocate markets or restrict supply.
Register Here |
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Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) Exam Preparation 2-Day Course |
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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.
Register Here |
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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!
Click here for the link to our course calendar.
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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.
These tasks will all have deadlines assigned that will be mandatory to meet in order to successfully complete this course.
Register Here |
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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.
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.
These tasks will all have deadlines assigned that will be mandatory to meet in order to successfully complete this course.
Register Here
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Principles - Risk Management (Virtual - PPLL)
Course Access: October 1 – 31, 2025
Mandatory Live Zoom Session: Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM ET
Registration Deadline: September 24, 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.
These tasks will all have deadlines assigned that will be mandatory to meet in order to successfully complete this course.
Click here to view our course calendar and register. |
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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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Be an Exhibitor at the 2025 Reverse Vendor Tradeshow—Win a Free 2026 Conference Registration! |
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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.
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Senior Procurement Specialist (Information Technology) |
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Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)
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Procurement Specialist (2 full time, permanent vacancies) |
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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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