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ARTICLE · 14 APRIL 2025

Ontario Issues Restrictive Procurement Policy: US Businesses Need Not Apply

McCarthy Tétrault
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On April 4, 2025, the government of Ontario published its new Procurement Restriction Policy (the "Policy"), following Premier Doug Ford's March 4, 2025...

CanadaGovernment, Public Sector
Terms Of Trade
Terms Of Trade
Julie Parla
Julie Parla
Tristan Musgrave
Tristan Musgrave
Robert Glasgow
Robert Glasgow
Ljiljana Stanic
Ljiljana Stanic
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On April 4, 2025, the government of Ontario published its new Procurement Restriction Policy (the "Policy"), following Premier Doug Ford's March 4, 2025 statement that Ontario will not do business with US companies as long as US tariffs remain in place. The Policy significantly restricts US businesses from participating in Ontario's public sector procurements. It is retroactive to March 4, 2025, the date of Premier Ford's announcement.

Together with the Policy, the Province has also released a Frequently Asked Questions document (the "FAQ") and a Guide for Public Sector Buyers.

Who is Subject to the Policy? Essentially All Ontario Public Sector Purchasers

The scope of the Policy is broad. It applies to all provincial ministries, entities covered by the Ontario Public Service (OPS) Procurement Directive, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). This includes all Ontario crown agencies and Crown Corporations.

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