Principles of Effective Public Procurement Certificate Program National Pilot a Success!
By Michelle Rasiulis, CSCMP, CPPB, NIGP-CPP | OPBA Instructor and Board Member
For over twenty years, the Principles of Effective Public Procurement Certificate program (Principles) has been considered the ‘go-to’ course for those launching their public procurement careers. Highly regarded by Ontario public sector employers and learners alike, the program delves into essential information for both newcomers to the profession and those transitioning from private procurement.
Through the Public Procurement Learning Lab, OPBA piloted a 4-day intensive workshop in partnership with Canoe Procurement from April 8–12, 2025. Principles instructors Carl Bonitto and Michelle Rasiulis led the in-person sessions, which took place in Nisku, Alberta, just outside Edmonton.
Workshop Format & Certificate Requirements:
Participants were required to take the Introduction to Public Procurement module online prior to participation in the intensive program. They must also meet all the program requirements, including completing an elective, participating in two additional courses/workshops, and successfully writing the exam prior to being awarded their Principles of Effective Public Purchasing Certificate.
Impact and Expansion
Fourteen participants attended the workshop, and the feedback received was overwhelmingly positive. While stepping away from the office for four days was a challenge, attendees found great value in the experience—more than half plan to take the certification exam.
As there are no other provincial associations like OPBA in Canada, offering the Principles Certificate program to participants in other provinces aligns with our goal to strengthen the public procurement profession across Canada.
Acknowledgement to our Partner
This successful pilot workshop would not have been possible without the support of our partner, Canoe Procurement Group of Canada which generously provided access to their facility, sponsored breaks, lunches and most importantly, leveraged their r network of members and partners to drive awareness through marketing campaigns.