The Ontario government, led by Premier Doug Ford, is set to introduce new legislation designed to strengthen the provincial economy by requiring public-sector organizations to prioritize goods and services made in Ontario.
What the Buy Ontario Act Means for Public Spending
Announced on Thursday, November 20, 2025, by Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, the Buy Ontario Act will apply to a wide range of entities. This includes provincial ministries and agencies, municipalities, and their contractors and subcontractors.
The core objective is to keep procurement dollars within the province. Stephen Crawford emphasized the government's commitment, stating, "From day one, our government has been committed to supporting Ontario’s businesses and workers." He added that this move is a deliberate step to ensure public dollars stay in Ontario, thereby creating jobs and strengthening local communities.
A $220-Billion Plan for Ontario's Future
This legislation is a key component of the province's massive $220-billion plan to build infrastructure using Ontario goods and services first. The government stated this approach will also help protect the provincial economy from external pressures like U.S. tariffs and broader economic uncertainty.
With the public sector purchasing over $30 billion in goods and services annually, the potential impact is significant. "That’s a massive opportunity to support local businesses, and we’re making sure that opportunity stays right here in Ontario," Crawford remarked.
The procurement hierarchy will prioritize Ontario-made goods and services first, followed by Canadian suppliers. The policy maintains flexibility, allowing for procurement from outside the country if local options are not available at a reasonable cost or in a timely fashion.
Replacing Old Rules with Stronger Tools
The new Buy Ontario Act will replace the current Ontario Business Initiative Act. Crawford explained that this change will provide the province with "stronger tools" to navigate modern economic challenges. He framed it as a strategic use of the public sector's buying power to back local businesses and create jobs.
"Price matters, and getting the best value for our money is critical. But today, value means more than just cost," Crawford said. "It means keeping public sector dollars in Ontario and across Canada."
The province has already seen positive results from this approach. A recent example cited was the procurement of new TTC subway cars, which will be manufactured by workers at Alstom in Thunder Bay, supported by the provincial, Toronto, and federal governments.
Acting Minister of Infrastructure Todd McCarthy highlighted the broader vision in a statement, connecting the legislation to the construction of essential infrastructure like transit, hospitals, and schools. He noted that this strategy helps keep hundreds of thousands of workers on the job in key sectors such as construction, steelmaking, forestry, and manufacturing.
