Designed as a deeper learning experience for all professionals, certificates are intensive, practice-based programs taught by faculty with real-world experience.
Advanced Public Procurement Law and Practice
Program Directors
Marilyn Brown
Procurement Law Specialist
Rosslyn Young
Public Procurement Director & Ontario Lead, Edilex
Eligible for
Strengthen Your Expertise in Public Procurement Law
Navigate the Legal Complexities of Public Procurement with Osgoode’s Advanced Certificate and Take Your Skills and Knowledge to the Next Level.
Stay current, compliant and competitive – this program delivers expert-led insights, legal updates, and practical strategies to help you confidently manage complex public procurement challenges in today’s evolving regulatory landscape. Ideal for legal, procurement, and public sector professionals who have 5+ years of experience in the field, this comprehensive program is designed to take your skills up a notch.
Registration includes 120-day unlimited, online access to the recorded program.
Holders of the Certificate in Public Procurement Law: The Rules in Practice receive 10% off the regular program price. Please contact osgoodepd@osgoode.yorku.ca for more information.
What You’ll Learn
Those attending this program will learn how to:
Examine the legal and regulatory foundations of public procurement, including key legislative frameworks, evolving case law and Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) decisions, and assess their impact on procurement practices
Strengthen transparency, accountability and risk management by applying best practices for responding to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and managing procurement audits
Apply legal and strategic negotiation principles to achieve compliant, fair and value-driven procurement outcomes while effectively managing risk
Analyze emerging trends, challenges and leading practices in sector-specific procurement, including infrastructure, information technology and centralized procurement models
Examine emerging issues shaping public procurement, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), evolving trade policies and their implications for sourcing and procurement strategies
Engage with procurement and legal experts through interactive panel discussions, case studies and peer learning to explore current challenges and leading practices
Consolidate learning through structured daily reflections, facilitated discussions and key takeaways that reinforce concepts and support practical application
PLUS! All attendees receive 120-day access to recorded sessions – offering maximum flexibility to review content anytime, anywhere, and learn at your own pace.
Who Should Attend
Ideal for experienced professionals with 5+ years in the field or those who have completed Osgoode’s Certificate in Public Procurement Law: The Rules in Practice. This program builds on your expertise and takes your skills to the next level.
Procurement specialists and professionals
Government procurement, legal and finance professionals
Lawyers advising public sector purchasers
Lawyers advising vendors to public purchasers
Contract /Project managers
Board members, CEOs and finance, legal and procurement managers of public bodies, including municipal corporations, special purpose enterprises, hospitals, school boards and academic institutions
Faculty
Program Directors
Marilyn Brown
Procurement Law Specialist
Rosslyn Young
Public Procurement Director & Ontario Lead, Edilex
Instructors
Sandeep Bajaj
Partner, EY Canada
Liz Busch
Busch Procurement Advisory Service, Victoria
Stephanie Davies
Chief Capital Officer, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)
Jim Hadjiyanni
President and CEO, OECM
David Ho
National Leader, Healthcare and Buildings, Accenture Infrastructure & Capital Projects | Industry X
James Kosa
WeirFoulds LLP
Robert Leonardis
Category Manager, Bloor Yonge Capacity Improvements, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)
James Lin
Vice President Supply Chain, Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
Mike Macdonell
The Auditor General, City of Vancouver
Tharshini Markandaier
Head, Procurement and Category Management, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)
Ben Mills
Conlin Bedard LLP, Ottawa
Marcia Mills
Partner; Co-Lead National Security and Defence, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Justin Petrillo
President & Founder, FOI Assist Corporation
Siddharth Sharma
Partner, Procurement Transformation Leader, EY Canada
Marianne Smith
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Toronto
Michael Solursh
General Counsel and Practice Lead, Trade Law Group, Government of Ontario
Sean Stephenson
Counsel, Dentons
Brenda Swick
Cassels, Brock & Blackwell LLP, Toronto
Victoria Gromyko
Director, Procurement & Enterprise Risk, City of Edmonton
“This was an excellent workshop with in-depth discussions and practical, legally grounded insights. Even after more than twenty years in public procurement, I walked away with a deeper legal understanding that will strengthen how I lead complex projects … Thank you for providing such valuable learning.”
Agenda
Please Note
The information below is from the 2025 iteration of this certificate. A detailed agenda for the upcoming program will be available soon.
Introduction to the Program and Ice-Breaking Session Start the program by connecting with fellow participants and setting the stage for four days of advanced learning. This interactive session introduces the program structure, key themes, and learning objectives, while giving you the opportunity to engage with peers, share experiences, and build a network of procurement professionals from across sectors.
Legal Recap – Overview of Applicable Legal Framework and Governing Rules
Applicable areas of law – contract law, administrative law and tort law
Contract A and non-binding formats
Update from the Bench
Highlights from the most recent case law on procurement
Contract law claims and judicial review applications
Core principles established by judicial precedent
CITT Update – Update on Federal Procurement and Recent Canadian International Trade Tribunal Decisions
Stay current on key developments in federal procurement with an in-depth update on recent Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) decisions. Led by experienced counsel Ben Mills and Brenda Swick, this session will explore how recent rulings are shaping procurement practices and compliance expectations. You’ll gain practical insights to help you anticipate challenges, avoid common pitfalls, and adapt your procurement strategies to align with evolving legal standards.
Strategic Approaches to the Form of Agreement in Public Procurement
In this session Rosslyn Young provides a legal overview of how to address the final form of agreement in a public procurement process from “Sign on the Dotted Line” to “Using Vendor Paper” with an emphasis on how to select the optimal approach for a contract and how to streamline negotiations.
Evolving the Role of Counsel in Public Procurement
As procurement grows more complex, the role of legal counsel is shifting from reactive advisor to strategic partner. This session explores how legal teams can add value throughout the procurement lifecycle—helping to shape strategy, manage risk, and ensure compliance from the outset. Learn how to build stronger collaborations between legal and procurement functions to drive better outcomes.
Access to Information Requests and the Public Procurement Process: Tactical and Strategic Considerations
Freedom of information in context – key principles
Procurement and FOI in practice – insights for both public agencies and vendors
Leveraging FOI as a vendor – how access to information can support market intelligence and strategy
Procurement for public bodies: key considerations for managing FOI obligations during the process
Negotiations in Public Procurement: Tips, Tricks and How to Stay Onside
Understand when and how negotiations are permitted under procurement law and trade agreements
Learn practical strategies for effective and compliant negotiation during the procurement process
Identify common pitfalls that can lead to legal challenges or failed procurements
Explore real-world examples of successful negotiation approaches within public sector constraints
Infrastructure Procurement: Recent Updates and Developments in Public Procurement from the Frontlines
Explore recent legal and policy developments impacting major infrastructure procurement projects
Learn how risk allocation and contract models are evolving in large-scale public infrastructure deals
Gain insights from real-world case studies and lessons learned from recent procurements
Understand key challenges in balancing fairness, competition, and innovation in infrastructure delivery
Technology Procurement: Recent Updates and Developments in Public Procurement from the Frontlines
Key trends and risks in technology procurement – overview of evolving challenges in acquiring IT and digital solutions in the public sector, including privacy, security, and IP considerations.
Navigating complex legal and contractual frameworks – legislative compliance, trade agreement obligations, and tailoring contracts for technology-specific risks.
Practical strategies for successful technology procurement – managing vendor negotiations, mitigating implementation risks, and ensuring ongoing compliance and performance.
Emerging issues and future directions – Cloud adoption, AI integration, cybersecurity threats, and lessons from recent procurement case studies
Trade Wars: Trade Policy Implications for Public Procurement
Impact of protectionist policies: examine how tariffs, import restrictions, and “Buy National” mandates affect supplier eligibility and procurement decision-making
Legal risks and treaty compliance: analyze the tension between domestic trade measures and international obligations
Market access and supplier diversity: assess how trade disputes limit access to foreign suppliers, increasing risk and reducing competition in public tenders
Strategic procurement responses: explore how procurement entities can adapt through risk mitigation, policy reform, and contract structuring during periods of trade instability
Procurement Audits
Understand the purpose, scope, and types of procurement audits in the public sector
Learn how to prepare for and respond to internal and external audit processes
Identify common audit findings and how to address compliance gaps
Explore best practices for documentation, transparency, and defensible decision-making
Gain insights into how audits can drive continuous improvement and reduce legal risk
Procurement and Enterprise Resource Planning Technology: Selection, Implementation and Strategy
Key factors in selecting the right ERP system to support procurement goals, including functionality, scalability, vendor fit, and integration capabilities.
How to align ERP implementation with procurement processes to drive efficiency, compliance, and data visibility from the outset.
Common challenges during ERP rollouts—from change management to data migration—and strategies to overcome them successfully.
How to develop a long-term ERP strategy that evolves with procurement needs, market trends, and digital transformation objectives.
New Frontiers: Using AI in Public Procurement As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the public sector, procurement professionals must understand its legal, ethical, and operational implications. This session explores how AI is being integrated into procurement processes—from automated evaluations to supplier risk analysis—and examines the challenges around transparency, accountability, and compliance. Gain practical insights into navigating this evolving landscape while ensuring responsible and fair procurement practices.
Centralized Procurement: A Legal Perspective
Examine the legal frameworks governing centralized procurement model
Understand the roles, responsibilities, and risks for participating entities in shared procurement arrangements
Explore how centralized procurement impacts competition, fairness, and trade agreement compliance
Identify legal challenges and risk mitigation strategies in multi-agency or consolidated procurements
Final Thoughts: Expert Panel
Our program concludes with a dynamic expert panel that brings together leading voices in procurement law and practice. This closing session offers a chance to reflect on key takeaways, emerging trends, and the evolving legal landscape in public procurement. Panelists will share insights from their own experience, tackle pressing questions from participants, and offer practical guidance to help you apply what you’ve learned. It’s an opportunity to synthesize your learning, deepen your understanding, and leave inspired and equipped to lead with confidence.
Payment is required in full up to 21 days prior to the start of the program, or immediately upon purchase if less than 21 days.
Substitution and Cancellation
Substitution of registrants is permitted prior to the start of the program date. If you are unable to find a substitute, a full refund is available if a cancellation request is received in writing 21 days prior to the start of the program. If a cancellation request is made with less than 21 but more than 7 days’ notice, a $250.00 administrative fee will apply per person. No refund will be issued for cancellations received within 7 days of the program start date. Payment is required to receive access to the program.
We will make every effort to present the program as advertised, but it may be necessary to change the date, location, speakers or content with little or no notice. In the event of program cancellation, York University’s and Osgoode Hall Law School’s liability is limited to reimbursement of paid fees.
As law evolves, we know how important it is to stay up to date. We also understand the financial implications of continuously upgrading your professional skills and knowledge. For more information on available options, including Job Grants, OSAP, please visit:
To receive an Osgoode Certificate, you must view all program modules (either live or archived) by January 7, 2027.
Steven Redfearn
Purchasing Manager, Loewen
“The advanced certificate in public procurement law and practice is a fantastic resource for any procurement professional looking for guidance in current theories, methods and practices and how organizations are rising to the challenges of AI and current world events in a complex, evolving landscape. ”
CPD and Accreditation
OsgoodePD is an accredited provider with the LSO, the Law Society of BC and NY CLE Board. Select your location to view the eligible hours you may claim.
Are you a law graduate or an executive/senior professional with at least 5 years of specialized experience? Consider a full-time or part-time LLM degree.
Do you have an LLB/JD? Consider taking a single LLM course for deeper learning in a specific area of practice – all credits will apply towards a Professional LLM.
Unfortunately, no. Effective for all 2019 filings and subsequent years moving forward, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has replaced T2202A’s with the T2202. Under the new CRA definition and criteria, our CLE short courses and certificate programs do not meet the definition of ‘qualifying educational program’. For this reason, we are unable to issue you a T2202. For more information, please visit the CRA site.
Program pages and brochures will include specific information including key dates, or see our Refunds & Cancellation Policies page.
Once a program reaches capacity, a waitlist will be created. This does not guarantee your registration in the program; however, it places you on a priority contact list. If any spots become available, you may be notified by email or phone to confirm if you would like to proceed with the registration. Once contacted, you will typically be given 24 hours to confirm your interest. If you do not confirm interest within the provided timeframe, you will be removed from the waitlist and the next person will be contacted.
A selection of our Certificates are eligible for OSAP funding.
Please note the following exceptions that may affect OSAP funding eligibility for our certificates:
Students receiving Second Career funding for a micro-credential during their study period are ineligible;
Although grants will not be converted to loans, a grant may become repayable if a student withdraws, is determined to be overpaid in grant funding, or income cannot be verified within one year;
A student cannot receive OSAP for micro-credential assistance for their study period if it overlaps with another micro-credential study period in which they are concurrently receiving OSAP for micro-credential funding. However, students may overlap their micro-credential study period with a study period that is part of a different full- or part-time program that they are concurrently receiving funding for through Full-Time OSAP or Part-Time OSAP, provided that OSAP funding was not assessed for the micro-credential course(s) through a Full-Time or Part-Time OSAP application.
NOTE: In order to obtain access to the program, full payment is required at least 1 business day prior to the first module of the program.
Job Grants
The Canada-Ontario Job grant may be applicable to employers seeking to train their staff. To find out if your organization is eligible for the grant and the program you wish to enrol in qualifies, visit: The MTCU Canada-Ontario Job Grant page
Many of our programs include 120-day unlimited, online access to view the recorded program. See the program page or brochure to find out if the program you’re interested in includes this access. If you need more time to view the content, or have questions about the access, please email: OPDSupport@osgoode.yorku.ca.
Our programs are typically offered once annually, around the same time each year; however, there are a few exceptions where certain programs are offered multiple times throughout the year (i.e. The Certificate in Adjudication). To receive updates on all our new and upcoming program offerings, please click here to subscribe to our email list.
If the program includes access to the recording, you will have unlimited online access to the recorded content for 120-days from the end date of the program.
Access is only for the registered delegate. In the event of misuse, access can be revoked.
CPD hours for each program can be found on the program web page and program brochure. For questions regarding CPD hours, please email cpd@osgoode.yorku.ca
A limited amount of financial assistance is available for OsgoodePD Programs unless specific bursary information appears on the program page/program brochure. Head to our Financial Assistance page for more information.
Yes. We do offer group rates on our programs. Please visit our group rate page for more information. Some exceptions apply, and rates are subject to change.
Our Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs, ranging from one-hour briefings to more intensive certificate programs, are for all professionals. There are no general prerequisites for these programs; however, individual programs often have specific requirements to register. These are noted on individual program pages and .pdf brochures.
