OECM is proud to announce the next phase in our Education Initiative Partnership with the Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA) — the launch of a brand-new online training program tailored specifically for elected officials and senior leaders in Ontario’s broader public sector. This program is scheduled to launch in Fall 2026.
About the Partnership
In June 2024, OECM launched a three-year Education Initiative Partnership with the OPBA – a non-profit professional association that represents public procurement professionals across Ontario. The partnership established OECM as an OPBA Education Initiative partner and included OECM’s support in the revitalization of OPBA’s Principles of Effective Public Procurement program and the development of a modernized learning platform, the Public Procurement Learning Lab (PPPL). The partnership focuses on enhancing professional development and educational opportunities for public procurement professionals across Ontario.
The PPLL now houses all OPBA learning, including:
- The Principles Certificate program, which has been transitioned to the learning management system, with support from OECM, bids&tenders, and Gordian
- OPBA’s Public Procurement Specialties
- Specialized courses such as the CPPB exam prep course
- And OPBA’s professional development sessions and workshops
New Training Program Launching in Fall 2026!
OPBA and OECM are excited to announce a new, online self-guided education program for Elected Officials and Non-Procurement Senior Leaders, launching in Fall 2026.
Accessible 24/7 via the PPLL and only 1–1.5 hours in length, this modern program is designed to equip public sector leaders — including municipal councils, school board trustees, college/university executives, and hospital boards — with the foundational knowledge to better support their procurement teams, understand legal responsibilities, and foster strategic decision-making.
Why This Training Matters
- Procurement decisions directly impact public trust, budgets, and community outcomes.
- Leaders often influence procurement policy, governance, and oversight but lack formal training.
- This program fills that gap by offering practical, relevant, and accessible education.
Key Takeaways of the Training
- Understand your role in public procurement
- Recognize procurement as a strategic value driver
- Navigate governance, legal, and compliance requirements
- Promote ethical, sustainable, and transparent practices
- Collaborate more effectively with procurement professionals
Reinforcing Our Shared Commitment
“At OECM, we are committed to strengthening our longstanding partnership with OPBA as we work together to elevate the impact of public procurement across Ontario. By championing skills development and training for supply chain professionals and sector leaders, we are investing in the talent that drives innovation, collaboration, and strategic value. Together, we are building a more agile, capable, and future-ready procurement community – one that delivers long-lasting value for the public sector.” — Jim Hadjiyianni, President and Chief Executive Officer, OECM
For more information about the OPBA, please contact any board member or e-mail Kate Foster at members@opba.ca.
For more information about OECM, including our partnership with the OPBA, please contact our dedicated Customer Support team at OECM Customer Support or 1-844-OECM-900 (1-844-632-6900).
