OPBA - Canoe Scholarship Announcement |
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OPBA Announces Partnership with Canoe Procurement Group of Canada to Launch $20,000 National Scholarship Program
The Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA) is proud to announce a new partnership with Canoe Procurement Group of Canada to establish the OPBA-Canoe Scholarship, delivered through the Public Procurement Learning Lab (PPLL), OPBA’s national learning hub. Funded by Canoe Procurement Group of Canada, the OPBA-Canoe Scholarship is a $20,000 investment in professional development and education, designed to support public procurement professionals across Canada in building skills, enhancing competencies, and advancing their careers through education and professional development. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the public procurement profession and supporting continuous learning for practitioners working across the public sector. Additional details about the scholarship, including the funding streams, eligibility and application information, will be shared soon. About OPBA
The Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA) is a recognized thought leader, dedicated to advancing the public procurement profession through advocacy, connection, and professional growth. OPBA represents public procurement professionals working across a broad range of public‑sector organizations, including local, regional, and provincial governments, school boards, post-secondary institutions, public safety and transit organizations, and more. Through its work, OPBA champions best practices, ethical standards, and strategic procurement excellence.
About Canoe Procurement Group of Canada
Canoe Procurement Group of Canada (Canoe) is a Canadian not-for-profit group procurement organization built by the public sector for the public sector. Canoe helps municipalities and other public sector organizations go from resource heavy tendering to a streamlined, efficient, and compliant procurement process through competitively awarded contracts already tendered on their behalf. Supporting over 6,000 members across Canada with 500+ contracts and 90+ procurement programs, Canoe helps organizations reduce administrative workload, secure better procurement value, and gain improved access to an extensive network of suppliers across key goods and services categories.
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Coffee with Counsel: Ontario Bill 194 |
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Register by June 8, 12:00 PM
Bill 194 is reshaping expectations around cybersecurity, privacy, and AI in Ontario’s public sector—bringing new considerations for procurement professionals. Join Lise Patry (LXM Law LLP) for a practical discussion on what this means for your day-to-day procurement work. This session will highlight key impacts of the legislation and outline actionable steps to strengthen due diligence, contract terms, and vendor risk management.
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2026 Courses for Your Professional Growth |
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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. |
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PPS – Advanced Procurement for Construction Course Dates: April 21 + 22, 2026
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM ET
Registration Deadline Extended to Friday, April 17, 2026
The Advanced Procurement for Construction course is for procurement professionals in the public sector who are called upon for their expertise in developing and administering large, sometimes complex procurement for construction. If a learner has experience in construction procurement, this course can be taken in place of Introduction to Procurement for Construction to complete the course requirements for the Principles of Effective Public Procurement Certificate Program. Click here to register
PPS – RFPs: A Step by Step Guide for Public Procurement Professionals
Course Dates: May 25 + 26, 2026
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET
Registration Deadline is Monday, May 18, 2026
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. Click here to register
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NIGP Pilot Courses: Early Bird Deadline - April 17
Foundations of Strategy + Policy (2-day NIGP course)
Course Dates: May 7 + 8, 2026
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM ET
Registration closes Thursday, April 30, 2026
A comprehensive learning experience focusing on legal and ethical issues, procurement functions, and practical examples. This course equips learners with the necessary skills to enhance their strategic value within governmental entities. By mastering these skills, professionals can boost their career prospects and contribute effectively to their organization's mission. Click here to register
Foundations of Planning + Analysis (2-day NIGP course) Course Dates: May 13 + 14, 2026
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM ET
Registration closes Wednesday, May 6, 2026
This course will enhance your ability to identify and articulate procurement goals effectively, ensuring sustainable strategies and beneficial outcomes. Acquiring these skills will not only boost your procurement career but also enable you to deliver value to stakeholders and communities through informed decision-making. Click here to register
Foundations of Sourcing and Contracting (3-day NIGP course) Course Dates: May 27, 28 + 29, 2026
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM ET
Registration closes Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Designed to provide entry-level public procurement professionals with the tools they need to ensure the appropriate goods and services are procured, NIGP’s Foundations of Sourcing and Contracting Core Certificate empowers learners with applicable, implementable solutions to some of the procurement function’s most challenging topics. Click here to register
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CPPB and CPPO Exam Preparation 2-Day Courses |
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Get a Head Start - Complete Your Registrations Early |
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2026 Conference & Tradeshow: Early Registration Is Now Open
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This year’s conference will take place in London, Ontario, with both the conference and pre‑conference sessions hosted at RBC Place London.
Public procurement professionals from across the public sector will come together for learning, discussion, and connection under this year’s theme, Procuring for Tomorrow: Are You Ready for It? The program will focus on emerging trends, evolving practices, and practical insights to support today’s procurement environment. Both pre‑conference workshops, including OPBA’s newest course, Contract Management, will provide in‑depth learning opportunities ahead of the main conference.
Stay tuned for full program details!
Also on September 22, the Caveat Emptor Cup Golf Tournament, which will be held at Echo Valley Golf Club, London, offers a relaxed setting to connect with colleagues and start networking before the conference begins. Click here to register
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Reverse Vendor Tradeshow: Exhibitor Registration |
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Register by September 30, 2026 at 12:00PM Connect directly with suppliers in a structured, engaging format designed for public procurement teams.
Tentative Schedule Set-Up: 8:00 – 9:15 AM Tradeshow: 9:15 AM – 12:45 PM Speed Networking: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM What’s Included
6’ x 3’ exhibitor table and chairs Lunch for your team Optional "Best Dressed Table" participation Click here to learn more
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People Leaders Meetings | Free to OPBA Members |
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Join us for a unique and inclusive gathering of procurement peers where the spirit of collaboration takes center stage! Our People Leaders Meetings are a welcoming space for management/leadership-level procurement professionals who lead others within their organization, regardless of their title. This year, there will be four (4) People Leaders 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.
Send your burning questions or discussion topics to events@opba.ca at least one week before the meeting.
Attendees eligible for two (2) contact hours. |
Procurement Specialists Meetings | Free to OPBA Members |
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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.
Send your burning questions or discussion topics to events@opba.ca at least one week before the meeting. Attendees eligible for two (2) contact hours. |
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New Member Orientation
Friday May 1, 2026 at 2 PM ET | Members Only - Free - Virtual via Zoom
Join our free, member’s only session on Friday, May 1st at 2pm ET and learn how to get the most out of your membership with OPBA! OPBA’s Membership + Learning Lab Manager will cover topics such as: - Understanding the member portal
- Benefits such as the Mentoring Program and MemberConnect
- The Public Procurement Learning Lab (PPLL) and education opportunities
- Professional Development offerings
- And more!
All registrants will be provided with a detailed slide deck of all topics plus recorded, short tutorials ahead of the session on May 1st. Participants are strongly encouraged to send in questions to members@opba.ca ahead of the session and we’ll dive in together to help you make the most of your membership with OPBA.
Click here to register |
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Judy Wilson Emerging Leader Award | Nominations Now Open |
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Nomination Deadline | Friday May 22, 2026
In 2024, the Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA) proudly partnered with Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes) to launch the Judy Wilson Emerging Leader Award. This prestigious award is returning for its third year, and nominations are now open. If you've ever wondered how to formally recognize a colleague's achievements, read on for more details and to submit your nomination! Click here to learn more |
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OPBA Mentoring Program Returns for 2026 |
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We’re pleased to share that OPBA’s Mentoring Program, launched last year has returned and is in full swing. All past participants are welcome to return, and we also encourage anyone who hasn’t yet participated to consider joining this year. Click the link below to read more about the program, if you have any questions please email members@opba.ca
Click here to learn more |
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Additional Professional Development |
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CPPB and CPPO Exam Preparation 2-Day Courses |
The Osgoode Certificate in Contract Management for Construction and Infrastructure Projects
May 25-29, 2026 | 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!
The Osgoode Certificate in Construction Law
Nov 4, 5, 6, 9 & 10, 2026 | In-Person & Online (Live)
Can you confidently manage risk on construction projects? Modern construction projects are complex and high-stakes, with significant legal risks for all involved. A strong understanding of the legal frameworks that govern these projects is essential to managing risk effectively. Engage with a faculty of 30+ senior legal and construction professionals in this intensive, five-day certificate program designed for both legal and industry professionals. With an emphasis on real-world examples and interactive sessions, you’ll explore key topics—from contract formation to dispute resolution—while gaining practical strategies to reduce liability. Regional distinctions for Eastern and Western Canada are included for select topics to enhance relevance across jurisdictions. Register today!
The Osgoode Certificate in Advanced Procurement Law and Practice
Dec 3, 4, 7 & 8, 2026 | 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 3, 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!
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