Presented by Canoe Procurement
Municipalities have a vital role to play in strengthening Canada’s economy by prioritizing domestic procurement—particularly in sectors directly affected by recent trade tensions. Municipalities purchase more goods and services than the federal government every year, including more than $35 billion annually from international markets, and collectively represent one of the largest public procurement vehicles in the country.
Local governments across Canada have been introducing procurement policies to support Canadian suppliers, but challenges in fully embracing a Buy Canadian approach remain—including legal obligations in trade agreements and domestic shortages for key products. It is important to assess what a national Buy Canadian policy means for local purchasing decisions, and what the federal government can do to address barriers.
In this FCM Collective webinar, we will uncover the economic and legal implications for municipalities with the adoption of a new federal Buy Canadian policy. Join us to assess how to best move forward with a Buy Canadian approach and harness the tools to leverage it for your local economy.
Moderator
- Matt Pelletier, Policy and Data Advisor, FCM
Matt Pelletier is a policy advisor and researcher based in Charlottetown, PEI, who has done extensive research on public transit, core infrastructure, and housing markets. He was born and raised in Ottawa but has called PEI home since March 2020. Currently, Matt works on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)'s policy and research team, supporting the organization's municipal infrastructure and public transit advocacy efforts. Before working with FCM, Matt worked with the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 vaccine procurement unit and the Centre for Greening Government’s green procurement team. He holds a master’s degree in public policy and administration from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and a bachelor’s degree in public affairs and policy management (B.PAPM) from Carleton University.
Panelists
- Derek Nighbor, President and CEO, FPAC
Derek was born and raised in Pembroke, ON, and has been President and CEO at FPAC since March 2016.
As the son and grandson of pulp & paper workers in the Ottawa Valley, he is proud to bring the voice of Canada’s forest products sector and its workers, families, and communities to national and international policy and decision-making tables.
Prior to joining FPAC, Derek served for 7 years as Senior Vice President with Food & Consumer Products of Canada, the country’s leading voice for consumer goods manufacturers like Coca-Cola, McCains, Nestle and Procter & Gamble.
Derek was Senior Vice President of Public Affairs with Retail Council of Canada (RCC) representing over 45,000 retail storefronts across Canada, including leading retailers like Canadian Tire, Walmart Canada, Home Depot, and Home Hardware.
From 2003 to 2005, Derek served as Chief of Staff to Ontario’s Minister of Consumer and Business Services.
In 2022, Derek was appointed by his colleagues at the International Council of Forest & Paper Associations (ICFPA) to be the global industry and business representative to the United Nations Forum on Forests. He also currently represents Canada’s forest sector at the UN Food & Agriculture Organization’s Advisory Committee on Sustainable Forest-based Industries (ACSFI) as well as on the Initiative on Advancing Sustainable Forest-based Bioeconomy Approaches, currently being led by the Government of Austria.
Derek has a keen personal interest in health care solutions close to home and amateur sport. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation, an organization committed to purchasing equipment for neo-natal intensive care units across Canada. He is also a former Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada.
- Keanin Loomis, President & CEO, Canadian Institute of Steel Construction
Keanin was named President & CEO of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction in June 2024. A University of Waterloo and William and Mary School of Law graduate, Loomis has a wealth of experience in community service, association management and effective advocacy. After practicing law in Washington, DC, he launched Hamilton’s Regional Innovation Centre, “Innovation Factory.” He then served as President and CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce for nine years, transforming it into a leading economic force for his community. After a 2022 run for municipal office, he joined the Ontario Chamber of Commerce as its Vice President of Member Services. Having amassed many years of board experience, Loomis currently chairs the HR and Governance Committee for the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority Board.
- Tyler Hannemann, General Manager, Canoe Procurement Group of Canada
Tyler is the General Manager for the Canoe Procurement Group of Canada. In this capacity, he manages over 500 supplier contracts, oversees the procurement department within Canoe, and analyzes trends in the public procurement sector. Tyler’s team develops Canoe’s programs and trains suppliers nationally. He holds a Master of Business Administration designation. Beyond the office, Tyler is a devoted husband and loving father to his two children, who enjoy having him coach their Little League sports teams.