OPBA meets with Jamie Wallace, new CEO at Supply Ontario
On Monday, February 13, 2023, Rozalyn Werner-Arcé, executive director of OPBA, and I had an opportunity to meet with Jamie Wallace, Supply Ontario’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer as of January 23, 2023.
See: Letter of congratulations to Jamie Wallace, CEO from OPBA.
Roz and I took the opportunity to discuss OPBA, our network of 1,000 members and our desire to collaborate with the province. We stated that our members are curious about the role and mandate of Supply Ontario and how it fits in the public procurement sector.
At a high level, Mr. Wallace explained that the province is concerned with building resiliency and economic development while finding efficiencies in public procurement in Ontario. He indicated that Supply Ontario will look to carry out their procurements in a way that considers green alternatives, is resilient, increases the labour market for Ontarians, and of course is price conscious. He also stated that through modernization, the province can do its procurements better and smarter, while still maintaining transparency.
Throughout our discussion with Mr. Wallace, he reiterated his immediate goal was is to listen and seek feedback from associations like OPBA. He indicated that he wants to hear from our members, about what is working and not working in public procurement within Ontario. Both Roz and I confirmed our commitment to work with him and his team at Supply Ontario and to explore ways to engage our members for this purpose.
Overall, it was a very positive meeting. Mr. Wallace demonstrated a genuine interest in the OPBA and Roz and I are looking forwad to developing a constructive relationship with him.