Government Procurement Policy Update
The province has introduced the Buy Ontario Procurement Directive (effective April 13, 2026), requiring Broader Public Sector entities to prioritize Ontario and Canadian goods and services in procurement.
The Directive consolidates:
- Building Ontario Businesses Initiative Act (BOBIA), effective April 1, 2024
- Procurement Restriction Policy (U.S. businesses), effective March 4, 2025
- New strategic procurement requirements for capital infrastructure and light-duty fleet vehicles, effective April 13, 2026
In parallel, the Tri-Agency has updated the Guidelines to Financial Administration (TAGFA) to reference the federal Buy Canadian Policy, encouraging prioritization of Canadian suppliers and Canadian content in Tri-Agency funded procurement, where appropriate.
What remains the same?
- For purchases less than $121,200, departments must continue to comply with the provincial policies, which include:
- Giving Ontario businesses preference during evaluation
- Restrictions on U.S. businesses
- For purchases exceeding $121,200, Procurement Services will work with departments to explore compliance strategies.
For additional information on complying with the existing requirements, please visit this website: Building Ontario Businesses Initiative Act (BOBIA) - Purchasing - Trent University
What has changed?
Depending on the value and type of procurement, different domestic preference rules apply:
- All procurements over $121,200: Procurement Services will manage new requirements which includes granting preference to Canadian businesses. Note for Research: Tri-agency funded procurements over $25M ($5M effective June 15, 2026) may include additional requirements.
- Fleet Vehicles (any value): For all purchases of light duty fleet vehicles, institutions must prioritize Made-in-Ontario vehicles or consider vehicles from Ontario Vehicle Producers. More information can be found at New Vehicle Purchases
- Capital Infrastructure (any value): Capital infrastructure procurements may require a Domestic Supply Chain Plan. Procurement Services is working closely with sector peers and subject matter experts to operationalize the new requirements.
What this means for departments:
- Engage Procurement Services early, especially for higher value or research funded purchases
- Additional documentation for supplier selection and exceptions may be required
- Continue to follow competitive procurement requirements under university policy
- Maintain clear records to support audit and provincial reporting
The University may be required to report certain Buy Ontario outcomes to the province to demonstrate compliance.
More information is coming:
Procurement Services is developing tools, templates, and guidance to support implementation of the Buy Ontario Procurement Directive and Buy Canadian expectations. We recognize the complexity of these new requirements and will continue to share updates as further guidance becomes available.