The City of Kitchener, Office of Mayor and Council and Senator Sandra Pupatello are inviting local businesses to register for three free sessions at Kitchener City Hall on October 13 and 14.
Businesses from across Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge and surrounding areas can register for the sessions to learn how to compete for public-sector contracts and explore opportunities to enter or grow within Canada’s defence sector. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly with federal and provincial procurement officials, Canada’s Defence Investments Agency and companies such as Boeing Canada, Bombardier and Honeywell Aerospace, helping them pursue new customers, contracts and markets.
“Kitchener is home to manufacturers, technology companies, health-sector innovators and entrepreneurs with the expertise to compete for major government and defence opportunities,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “By bringing procurement officials and industry leaders directly to Kitchener, we are helping local businesses build new relationships, reach new customers and create opportunities that support local jobs. This is one of the practical ways we are delivering on our plan to support local and Build Canada Strong by building a stronger, more resilient economy.”
During the October 13, Buy Canada – Buy Ontario sessions, representatives from Public Services and Procurement Canada and Supply Ontario will explain what governments purchase, how businesses can register as suppliers and where to find upcoming opportunities. The construction-focused session will also include Infrastructure Ontario and highlight opportunities in construction, heavy construction and infrastructure.
The Defence Shift will help companies assess whether their products, services or expertise could meet the needs of Canada’s defence supply chain. Businesses will hear from federal defence officials and connect directly with defence prime contractors and Tier 1 suppliers. The session is designed to help local companies diversify their customer base and pursue opportunities beyond their traditional markets.
“Companies not found in the country’s capital regions may not consider the opportunities they have to sell their goods and services to government -provincial and federal governments are committed through Buy Canada and Buy Ontario policies,” said The Honourable Sandra Pupatello, Senator. “Now, we have to give our companies the details they need to respond. That’s what this day is about in Kitchener. Great companies finding new business opportunities.”
Session details and registration
All sessions are free and take place at Kitchener City Hall, 200 King St. W. Space is limited and guests are asked to register.
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 9 to 11 a.m.
Buy Canada – Buy Ontario Information Session for Construction Companies. Register here
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2 to 4 p.m.
Buy Canada – Buy Ontario Information Session, open to businesses of all sizes and sectors. Please send one representative per company. Register here
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m. to noon
The Defence Shift. Register here
These sessions are part of Kitchener’s Plan to Support Local and Protect Jobs, which outlines practical actions to strengthen local businesses, open doors to new markets and build a more resilient economy. Through the plan, the City is using its purchasing power, partnerships and influence to create opportunities for local businesses and help protect local jobs.