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ARTICLE · 16 JANUARY 2024

New Year Brings New Requirements, Reporting Obligations And Updated Trade Agreement Thresholds

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
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Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

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In 2024, most public buyers in Ontario will be required to implement the Building Ontario Businesses Initiative (BOBI). According to the Government of Ontario...

CanadaGovernment, Public Sector
Marianne Smith
Marianne Smith
Alyssa Shivji
Alyssa Shivji
Stephanie Console
Stephanie Console
Alison Hanson
Alison Hanson
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Building Ontario Businesses Initiative

In 2024, most public buyers in Ontario will be required to implement the Building Ontario Businesses Initiative (BOBI). According to the Government of Ontario, BOBI is aimed at directing procurement opportunities to local businesses, leveling the playing field for Ontario businesses, supporting economic and regional development, encouraging growth in the global market, and better preparing Ontario's supply chain for future emergencies.

Background

On February 24, 2022, Ontario introduced the Building Ontario Businesses Initiative Act, 2022 (BOBIA) through the Fewer Fees, Better Services Act, 2022. BOBIA came into force on January 1, 2024, and the first regulation under BOBIA, O. Reg. 422/23 (BOBIA Regulation) was also issued, providing some important clarifications noted below. The BOBIA requirements apply after April 1, 2024 and do not apply to public sector entities in respect of procurement processes commenced

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