Working together to protect jobs: Mayor Berry Vrbanovic and Senator Sandra Pupatello convene procurement and defence-sector leaders to support local businesses
The City of Kitchener, Office of Mayor and Council and Senator Sandra Pupatello are inviting local businesses to register for three free sessions at Kitchener City Hall on October 13 and 14.
Businesses from across Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge and surrounding areas can register for the sessions to learn how to compete for public-sector contracts and explore opportunities to enter or grow within Canada’s defence sector. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly with federal and provincial procurement officials, Canada's Defence Investments Agency and companies such as Boeing Canada, Bombardier and Honeywell Aerospace, helping them pursue new customers, contracts and markets.
“Kitchener is home to manufacturers, technology companies, health-sector innovators and entrepreneurs with the expertise to compete for major government and defence opportunities,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “By bringing procurement officials and industry leaders directly to Kitchener, we are helping local businesses build new relationships, reach new customers and create opportunities that support local jobs. This is one of the practical ways we are delivering on our plan to support local and Build Canada Strong by building a stronger, more resilient economy.”
During the October 13, Buy Canada – Buy Ontario sessions, representatives from Public Services and Procurement Canada and Supply Ontario will explain what governments purchase, how businesses can register as suppliers and where to find upcoming opportunities. The construction-focused session will also include Infrastructure Ontario and highlight opportunities in construction, heavy construction and infrastructure.
The Defence Shift will help companies assess whether their products, services or expertise could meet the needs of Canada’s defence supply chain. Businesses will hear from federal defence officials and connect directly with defence prime contractors and Tier 1 suppliers. The session is designed to help local companies diversify their customer base and pursue opportunities beyond their traditional markets.
"Companies not found in the country's capital regions may not consider the opportunities they have to sell their goods and services to government -provincial and federal governments are committed through Buy Canada and Buy Ontario policies,” said The Honourable Sandra Pupatello, Senator. “Now, we have to give our companies the details they need to respond. That's what this day is about in Kitchener. Great companies finding new business opportunities."
Session details and registration
All sessions are free and take place at Kitchener City Hall, 200 King St. W. Space is limited and guests are asked to register.
- Tuesday, Oct. 13, 9 to 11 a.m.
Buy Canada – Buy Ontario Information Session for Construction Companies. Register here
- Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2 to 4 p.m.
Buy Canada – Buy Ontario Information Session, open to businesses of all sizes and sectors. Please send one representative per company. Register here
- Wednesday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m. to noon
The Defence Shift. Register here
These sessions are part of Kitchener’s Plan to Support Local and Protect Jobs, which outlines practical actions to strengthen local businesses, open doors to new markets and build a more resilient economy. Through the plan, the City is using its purchasing power, partnerships and influence to create opportunities for local businesses and help protect local jobs.
About Senator Pupatello
Sandra Pupatello is a former provincial politician, businesswoman and advocate for Ontario’s economic growth, with more than 30 years of experience in public service, corporate leadership, and community engagement. First elected as MPP for Windsor West in 1995, she served in several cabinet positions, including Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Education, Women’s Issues, and Community and Social Services. She also served as Vice-Chair of Ontario’s Treasury Board and led trade delegations around the world.
Prior to entering politics, Ms. Pupatello worked and volunteered in the non-profit sector. She later founded Canadian International Avenues Ltd., a management consulting firm, and has served on several corporate and public-sector boards, including as Chair of Hydro One and Chair of the Toronto Port Authority.
She currently serves on the Board of Martinrea International and the Saint Elizabeth Foundation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she co-founded and co-chaired Reshoring Canada.
Ms. Pupatello has received numerous awards and distinctions, including recognition among WXN’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada and the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Windsor, as well as a Corporate Director Certificate from the University of Toronto.
About Mayor Vrbanovic
Mayor Berry Vrbanovic was elected in 2014 as the 68th Mayor of the City of Kitchener since its founding as the Village of Berlin in 1854. As Mayor, he also sits as a member of the council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. Prior to being elected Mayor, he served as a City Councillor from 1994-2014.
Born in Zagreb, Croatia, Mayor Vrbanovic moved to Canada as a young child. He is a graduate of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, Wilfrid Laurier University and the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. Coming from an immigrant family himself, he understands the challenges and issues facing the thousands of Canadians who have made Kitchener their new home.
Mayor Vrbanovic was recently re-elected Co-President of United Cities and Local Governments and in April 2026 was appointed as the Chair of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Green Municipal Fund Council. He also serves on FCM committees including its Big Cities Mayors’ Caucus, as well as with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario Big City Mayors.
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
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.