Buy Canada–Buy Ontario events connect local businesses with government opportunities

Kitchener businesses gain practical information, new contacts and a clearer path to competing for public-sector work

Local construction companies and businesses from a range of sectors connected directly with federal and provincial procurement experts today during two Buy Canada–Buy Ontario events at Kitchener City Hall. 

Hosted by the City of Kitchener, Mayor Berry Vrbanovic and Senator Sandra Pupatello, the events brought representatives from Supply Ontario, Public Services and Procurement Canada and Infrastructure Ontario together to help businesses better understand how to find government opportunities, register as suppliers and prepare to compete for public-sector contracts.  

These are part of Kitchener’s Plan to Support Local and Protect Jobs, which includes practical actions to strengthen local businesses, open doors to new markets and help protect local jobs.  

“Local businesses have the skills, experience and expertise governments need, but they also need clear information about where opportunities are posted, what buyers are looking for and how to compete,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “By bringing federal and provincial procurement experts directly to Kitchener, thanks to the support of Senator Sandra Pupatello, we are helping businesses make new connections, reach new customers and take practical steps toward winning new work. When local companies grow, they support local workers, strengthen our economy and build greater confidence to invest in Kitchener.” 

Focused support for construction businesses 

The morning, moderated by Jeff MacIntyre, President of the Grand Valley Construction Association, focused on construction and infrastructure companies.  

Businesses learned: 

• Where federal and provincial opportunities are posted. 
• How construction companies can register as government suppliers. 
• What public sector buyers expect from potential suppliers. 
• How government procurement processes work. 
• How to identify opportunities that match their company’s experience and capabilities.  

Helping businesses across all sectors reach new customers 

The afternoon, moderated by Ian McLean, President of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, was open to businesses of all sizes and sectors. It focused on helping companies understand whether government could become a customer for their products or services and what they need to do to get started.  

Businesses learned: 

• How to search for government opportunities 
• How to register as suppliers 
• What buyers expect from a strong submission.  

The discussion also covered the wide range of goods and services governments purchase, from equipment and technology to professional services and everyday operational supplies.  

“Businesses outside capital regions may not always be aware of the opportunities available to provide goods and services to government,” said Senator Sandra Pupatello. “Whether in construction or other sectors, Kitchener-Waterloo companies should be well positioned to take advantage of these new government policies.” 

Participants left today with government procurement resources and a clearer understanding of the steps they can take to pursue public infrastructure work. This includes reviewing opportunities through CanadaBuys, exploring provincial opportunities through Supply Ontario and following up with the contacts made.  

These events build on the City’s work to connect Kitchener businesses with new customers and markets. By improving access to procurement information and bringing the people who understand these systems directly into the community, the City is helping local businesses make informed decisions about future growth. 

When Kitchener companies reach new customers and win new work, they support local jobs, keep expertise in the community and build a stronger, more resilient local economy. 

For more information about the City’s work to support local businesses, visit Kitchener.ca/SupportLocal. 

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For more information: 
Corporate Communications and Marketing 
City of Kitchener 
Media@kitchener.ca 

Andres Sanchez 
Executive Assistant 
Office of Senator Sandra Pupatello 
andres.sanchez@sen.parl.gc.ca 
343-991-5543