The province issued procurement guidelines for public institutions like colleges, universities, and hospitals, urging them to “prioritize” Canadian businesses. But in practice, critics say, those guidelines have no teeth. St. Clair college has signed a new contract with Blackboard, a U.S.-based education software firm. It was not tendered through a public procurement process, despite a Canadian competitor offering the same services and being prepared to bid.
Published Sep 12, 2025 at 12:31pm
St. Clair College's Windsor campus. (Photo: courtesy of their website.)
Premier Doug Ford campaigned on a promise to “Protect Ontario” from economic threats like U.S. tariffs. But Canadian businesses say that pledge is being undermined by lack of legislation on the topic.
The province issued procurement guidelines for public institutions like colleges, universities, and hospitals, urging them to “prioritize” Canadian businesses.
But in practice, critics say, those guidelines have no teeth.
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