Initiative will strengthen supply chain security and boost domestic production of critical goods
March 09, 2022
Ministry of Government and Consumerย Services
TORONTO โ The Ontario government is continuing to strengthen the provinceโs supply chain security and economic growth through the Building Ontario Businesses Initiative (BOBI). BOBI will reduce barriers and provide companies in Ontario with greater access to public procurement opportunities, helping them sell more goods and services, create jobs in their local communities and recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, the initiative will strengthenย Ontarioโs supply chain resiliency and better prepare the province for potential future emergencies.
Details were shared by Ross Romano, Minister of Government and Consumer Services, joined by Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction.
As part of BOBI, the government passed the Building Ontario Businesses Initiative Act, which mandates public sector entities to give Ontario businesses preference when conducting procurements for goods and services under a specified threshold amount. This legislative change will see the government targeting to spend at least $3 billion in contracts awarded to Ontario businesses annually by 2026, further creating immense economic opportunity for Ontarians.
โThe Building Ontario Businesses Initiative will level the playing field for Ontario businesses vying to support our provinceโs procurement needs and will ensure they are able to compete with overseas businesses,โ said Ross Romano, Minister of Government and Consumer Services. โBy harnessing our immense buying power, BOBI will allow our government to build our businesses in every corner of our province and support new jobs for our workers. We are investing in our people and unlocking our true economic potential.โ
These changes will apply to the provinceโs overall procurements, which amount to $29 billion in goods and services annually across all public sector organizations. This immense buying power will be leveraged to help Ontario businesses in the technology and manufacturing sectors grow, create good paying jobs for Ontario workers, and secure domestic supply for critical goods required in times of crisis.
Quick Facts
- Supply Ontario, a new provincial agency established to address challenges in the public sectorโs supply chain system, is integral to this plan. Supply Ontario will transform and move public procurement forward in line with the BOBI, further advancing modernization to benefit our economy, businesses, and Ontarians.
- Theย Building Ontario Businesses Initiative Actย is part of this yearโs red tape reduction package, theย Fewer Fees, Better Services Act, 2022.
- Theย 2021 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: Build Ontarioย is the governmentโs seventh financial update since the pandemic began, highlighting the governmentโs commitment to providing regular updates on Ontarioโs finances, even during this uncertain economic period. It is part of the governmentโs plan for recovery driven by economic growth.
- Businesses and organizations looking to apply to the extended Ontario Together Fund can now submit throughย Available Funding Opportunities from the Ontario Government.
Quotes
“Local businesses are the engine of the Ontario economy and their strength is vital to our Provinceโs economic recovery. In this global economy, we are working to ensure those businesses can compete locally by increasing capacity and strengthening the supply chain to support Ontario businesses and the people and families that rely on them.”
– Vic Fedeli
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
“One of our governmentโs top priorities is ensuring Ontario is open for business. That means creating and protecting jobs, supporting businesses, and increasing investment and trade, so Ontarioโs economy can grow and thrive. The Building Ontario Businesses Initiative will help unleash the provinceโs full potential and fuel Ontarioโs recovery and future prosperity.”
– Nina Tangri
Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction
“Supporting Ontario businesses is a key part of our governmentโs efforts to protect the people and jobs of our province as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. By leveraging public sector spending, the Building Ontario Businesses Initiative will spur economic growth and level the playing field for job creators and businesses in every corner of Ontario.”
– Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria
President of the Treasury Board
Additional Resources
- Building Ontario Businesses Initiative
- Ontario Bolstering Stockpile and Distributing Record Levels of Critical Supplies
- Province Launches New Modern Ontario Business Registry
- Ontario Launching New Agency to Centralize Government Procurement
- Province Appoints Board of Directors of Supply Ontario
- Supply Ontario Welcomes Inaugural CEO Frank P. Rochon
- Province to Supply Additional Ontario-Made Masks