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Advocacy for a Predictable and Inclusive Canada-U.S. Trade Framework
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The Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA) has submitted a letter to the Government of Canada calling for a renewed Canada-U.S. trade framework that supports stability, protects key sectors, and reflects the diverse realities of the public sector.
In its response, OPBA emphasizes the importance of maintaining predictable trade conditions, reducing redundant administrative burdens, and ensuring public procurement policies enable—not restrict—local economic development and community benefit.
Hot Tip: Share this letter with your local Economic Development Office as a way to showcase procurement’s support for small businesses and professional advocacy.
Read the full letter here: [OPBA Letter on the Operation of CUSMA →]
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Procurement Survival Guide: 10 Tips for Newbies
By: Nessa Byrne, Senior Procurement Advisor - Legal & Support Services
Haldimand County
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I am coming up on my 10-year
anniversary in public procurement, which has sparked some self-reflection on my journey. My hope is to share a few insights and tips with procurement newbies to let them know we all share the same struggles.
Being new to procurement can feel incredibly overwhelming – before you know it, you’re knee-deep in complex policies, legal requirements, internal processes, and the intricacies of navigating legislation. Not to mention, the pressure of being entrusted to spend public funds responsibly and transparently.
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More Than Numbers: The Soft Skills Behind Strategic Procurement
By Lori Friesen, CPPB
Manager, Legal & Support Service – Haldimand County
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In a previous article, I
shared my thoughts on how procurement can support an organization’s strategic plan. Building on that idea, I believe it is important to identify a lesser-discussed, but equally important aspect of procurement: the soft skills. These are people-centered skills and approaches that elevate procurement from a transactional function to a strategic enabler.
When most people think of procurement, they picture spreadsheets, budgets, and the infamous “lowest bid” price. While these are undeniably core components, the true value of procurement extends far beyond numbers and contracts. At its heart, procurement is a relationship-driven, service-oriented function that not only supports strategic goals but also helps shape organizational culture and foster collaboration.
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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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Spotlight on Procurement at Peel Region
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Peel Region’s Procurement
Division, led by Director of Procurement Kristin Misurka, is the engine behind one of Ontario’s largest and most diverse municipal procurement portfolios. Employing a centralized model built for impact, which ensures consistency, compliance and strong governance, Peel procured over $2.4 billion in goods and services in 2024.
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Test Your Knowledge with the Caveat Emptor Trivia Contest!
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Think you know your Caveat Emptor? Put your knowledge to the test in our new Caveat Trivia Contest — a fun way to revisit highlights from past issues and see how much you remember!
How it works:
• Answer 11 questions based on Caveat Emptor articles.
• Each question includes the issue date where you can find the answer — look it up in the OPBA Member Portal (Resources → Communications → Archived News) or click here.
• Complete the quiz by December 15, 2025, for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card!
When you’re ready, click HERE to start the quiz.
The winner will be announced in the December issue of the Caveat Emptor Newsletter — just in time for some winter holiday spending. Good luck!
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Reverse Vendor Tradeshow: Event Recap
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The 2025 Reverse Vendor Tradeshow took place on October 29, 2025, bringing together 420 vendors and suppliers and 37 public agencies with 130 public procurement staff for a full day of learning, networking, and meaningful conversations. New this year, our optional afternoon session—Understanding the RFP Process: A Supplier’s Guide—and 1:1 pre-booked Speed Networking meetings added high-value touchpoints for both agencies and suppliers. Speed Networking was a major hit, selling out in under five minutes.
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OPBA Mentorship Program: Round 2 Sign-Up Now Open!
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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 and Mentees to thrive in the dynamic world of public procurement.
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2026 Membership Renewals - Now Available!
It's hard to believe another year is coming to a close. We're so grateful for your dedication and contributions to the OPBA community. We are stronger together, and as OPBA grows, that rings truer every year.
Your 2026 membership renewal invoice is now available. We look forward to diving into everything the new year has in store for you. Renew today to remain in good standing through December 31, 2026!
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New Members
OPBA warmly welcomes the following new members:
• Moonhee Ya, McMaster University
• Hui Xing, City of Brampton
• Ben Arcilla, Regional Municipality of Halton
• Cathy McLellan, Regional Municipality of Halton
OPBA warmly welcomes the following new associates:
• Carmine Cardile, In Transition / Public Procurement Prospects
• Lauren Van Damme, Toronto Metropolitan University
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Upcoming Pro-D Webinars
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Coffee with Counsel: Bill C-5: The One Canadian Economy Act – Impacts on Public Procurement
Dec 9, 2025
1 PM - 2 PM ET
Virtual Event
Registration closes December 5, 2025
In June 2025, the federal government passed Bill C-5, creating two new laws: the Building Canada Act, to fast-track national infrastructure projects, and the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act, to reduce interprovincial barriers. While federal in scope, these changes will affect local governments and broader public sector organizations, particularly in procurement and trade agreements.
This session builds on the article “Bill C-5 – Fast-Tracking National Interest Projects in Canada,” authored by McMillan LLP in the September issue of the Caveat Emptor newsletter, and will highlight what Bill C-5 means for public sector organizations, with a focus on opportunities, challenges, and practical considerations for procurement professionals.
Register Here
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COLLABORATE AND GROW TOGETHER
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People Leaders Meeting
November 28, 2025
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Virtual Event
Registration closes November 27, 2025
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 Leaders meetings - three (3) 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.
Register Here
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UPCOMING PRINCIPLES COURSES
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Principles - Introduction to Construction (Virtual - Zoom)
December 9 + 10, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Virtual Learning
Registration closes December 2, 2025
The Introduction to Construction is a mandatory course to be eligible to write the Principles Exam as part 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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Upcoming 2026 Courses
As the cornerstone of OPBA's educational offerings, PPLL provides a more comprehensive and meaningful learning experience through a blend of self-paced online modules and a virtual classroom session via Zoom in the final week.
What's New for 2026
Plan your learning year ahead — 2026 course registration is now open!
• The Principles Program is now offered in a new, blended format through the PPLL platform.
• Public Procurement Specialties (PPS) courses — Supplier Performance, RFPs, and Advanced Construction — will continue to be delivered through our traditional Zoom sessions.
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Osgoode Professional Development
OPBA members receive 10% off the following OsgoodePD programs using code OPBA-10:
The Osgoode Certificate in Advanced Procurement Law and Practice
Dec 1, 3, 8 & 9, 2025 | Online (Live)
Navigate the legal complexities of public procurement with Osgoode's Certificate in Advanced Procurement Law and Practice. Stay current, compliant and competitive. Starting December 1, join a faculty of experienced legal and procurement professionals for four focused days of learning designed for those with 5+ years in the field. Take your skills to the next level with this in-depth, practice-oriented program.
Register today!
The Osgoode Certificate in Contract Management for Construction and Infrastructure Projects
May 25-29, 2025 | In-Person & Online (Live)
Gain valuable insights from legal and contract management experts about assessing and managing risk, and tips for minimizing risk and maximizing performance. You will gain substantive knowledge and the practical skills needed to execute an efficient, and cost-effective contract management process. This intensive, five-day certificate will give you the tips and strategies you need to address some of the most challenging and complex situations that can negatively impact your contract management process.
Register today!
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Job Opportunities
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Senior Purchasing Coordinator
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Program Manager, Maintenance and Procurement
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The Regional Municipality of York
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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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