Ontario Construction News staff writer
Infrastructure Ontario (IO) is reminding designers, consultants and contractors working on its projects to comply with Ontario’s Buy Ontario Act and avoid specifications that unnecessarily restrict Canadian supply chains.
In a Sept. 10 message to industry partners, IO president and CEO Angela Clayton said project designs, technical requirements and output specifications must promote fair competition and should not effectively require suppliers to source materials from outside Canada.
The reminder comes as the construction industry faces ongoing tariff and trade pressures that are affecting material costs and supply chains.
IO said it is working with industry to assess the potential impact on project delivery and identify ways to reduce supply-chain risks.
“We expect all project participants, including designers, consultants and contractors, to comply with both the requirements and intent of the Buy Ontario Act,” Clayton said.
For projects in active procurement, IO said concerns about designs, technical requirements or specifications should be raised through the established proponent consultation process.
The agency is also seeking broader industry feedback on specifications, supply chains, tariffs and implementation of the Buy Ontario Act.
The legislation and related government policy are intended to increase the use of Ontario and Canadian goods and services in public procurement, subject to applicable trade obligations.
IO said it will continue working with industry partners as it responds to changing trade and economic conditions.
