Ontario Implements CME Suggestions for Local Company Preference in Procurement

OVERVIEW

The province published its final regulations under the Building Ontario Businesses Act (BOBIA). This Act provides an exclusive preference to Ontario companies for low-value procurements, under the application threshold of trade agreements.

Final regulations (coming into force on April 1, 2024) reflect the advocacy CME conducted and consultations with its members in summer 2022 and 2023.

WHY IT MATTERS

Ontario purchases about $29 billion in goods and services every year.

The preference to domestic companies contained in BOBIA allows the leveraging of this purchasing power for economic development.  This is a trade-compliant vehicle to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities without generating adverse repercussions for our exporters.

By setting a simple criteria to have a staff presence in the province, the government reaches the right balance of providing a preference to Ontario-based companies without deterring investment from foreign-owned companies committed to generate economic benefits in our jurisdiction.

HOW TO BENEFIT

An easy way to ensure your company and products are visible for purchasing officials across the Ontario government and agencies is to register for the Ontario Made program.

The searchable database established under this program (in partnership wirth the province) currently includes more than 4,000 manufacturers and 16,000 products. CME continues to advocate for more explicit linkages to the Ontario Made program through all procurement processes.

Learn more and register for FREE on www.supportontariomade.ca/manufacturers.