Join Minister Crawford: Buy Ontario
January 13 @ 8:30 am - 11:00 am
You’re invited! KNBA, in partnership with Wesley Clover, Invest Ottawa, and the Government of Ontario, is pleased to host an information session moderated by the Honourable Stephen Crawford, Ontario Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. This session will provide an overview of the recently enacted Buy Ontario Act and outline its implications for public sector procurement across the province.
The Buy Ontario Act, which received Royal Assent on December 11, 2025, introduces a new framework for procurement in Ontario. The legislation is designed to strengthen the provincial economy by prioritizing Ontario-based businesses in public sector purchasing. It applies to ministries, agencies, schools, and hospitals, and includes compliance and enforcement measures to ensure adherence.
Key provisions of the Act include:
- Public sector entities must give preference to goods made in Ontario or Canada, and to services provided in Ontario or Canada, when making procurement decisions.
- The Management Board of Cabinet is empowered to issue binding directives that set procurement policies, procedures, or standards for public sector entities, including requirements to support Ontario businesses.
- Directives may require public sector entities to implement vendor performance standards and reporting procedures, ensuring accountability and transparency in procurement.
- If a designated broader public sector organization or prescribed entity fails to comply, the Board may direct that government funds be withheld until compliance is achieved.
- The Minister may order compliance reviews of public sector entities and require corrective action if non-compliance is found.
- All procurement directives must be made publicly available and posted on a Government of Ontario website.
This information session will highlight how Ontario companies can best prepare for new procurement policies, supply chain preferences, and share ways that public-private collaboration can help drive innovation across the province.
