Improving government purchasing

The Ontario government’s challenges sourcing critical supplies and equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), during the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the need to improve our current approach to procurement. Circumstances have shown that we need reliable, domestically-produced supplies to ensure a continuity of services when global supply chains are constrained, so Ontarians can have the supplies they need when they need them. The Action Plan will accelerate the work of transforming how the Ontario government purchases goods and services. It will leverage the combined bulk-buying power of the province while taking advantage of the world-class capabilities of local Ontario businesses. This approach will lead to greater job creation and economic growth, while showing respect for taxpayer dollars.

The goals include:

• Saving Ontarians money by sourcing high-quality goods at a scale that serves the public interest in a financially responsible way.

• Stabilizing access to a high-quality supply of critical products.

• Stimulating job creation and economic growth by producing goods right here in Ontario.

• Taking advantage of emerging technologies, removing barriers, and connecting small businesses and entrepreneurs to government and its customers.