Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery Procurement
The Province’s recent changes under the Buy Ontario Act introduce new procurement requirements for municipalities that will have significant operational and financial impacts.
Where we’re at
Recent changes introduced by the Province through the Buy Ontario Act have increased municipal administrative costs. Municipalities have been required to update internal systems, processes, and procurement documents; dedicate staff resources to implementation; and engage external consultants to support compliance within accelerated timelines.
Impacts are not yet fully known, but it is anticipated that fewer bidders will meet qualifications, leading to less competition, and that capacity will be utilized quickly, leading to increased costs.
Norfolk asks that the Province:
- Develop standardized “Buy Ontario” procurement language municipalities can adopt
- Provide better guidance to municipalities to assist with compliance with new legislation
- Allow a grace period for municipalities to adjust processes to meet demands of new procurement processes
Norfolk is ready.
We can grow Ontario, together.