Dear Members,
It is with great frustration that I write this article. As the president of the Ontario Glass and Metal Association (OGMA) and a fellow industry member, I am with all of you in trying to navigate the economic trade war between Canada and the United States of America.
I would like to update you on a critical advocacy effort undertaken by the Ontario Glass & Metal Association (OGMA) regarding the procurement process for major public infrastructure projects in Ontario.
On August 19, I formally submitted a letter to Premier Doug Ford and Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma expressing our association’s deep concern over the recently released bidder list for the Ottawa Hospital’s New Campus Development (NCD). The list includes multiple U.S.-based firms, despite the availability of highly qualified Ontario contractors. This follows the controversial awarding of the Trillium M hospital glazing contract to Permasteelisa/Benson—a U.S.-owned company that manufactures in Mexico using non-Canadian components.
I previously raised this issue with the Premier’s office in June 2025, urging the government to ensure that future publicly funded projects prioritize Canadian—and specifically Ontario-based—contractors. To date, the response we received has been highly unsatisfactory.
In my latest letter, I called for:
- A review of the NCD bidder list
- Disqualification of non-Canadian firms
- A procurement policy that protects Ontario jobs and industry
I also highlighted the potentially devastating impact of the Trillium M decision and addressed the closure of Harmon Canada’s Brampton facility, which resulted in the loss of hundreds of skilled jobs.
With bid submissions for the NCD project due by September 5, and the public auction of Harmon’s Brampton plant scheduled for September 15–17, this issue is both urgent and consequential.
I encourage you to read the letter I sent to the offices of the Premier, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure, and members of the provincial NDP and Liberal parties: Urgent Request Regarding Bidder List for Ottawa Hospital NCD Project. I also sent this request to media outlets across the province and participated in interviews with television and print media.
I will continue to advocate for you and keep you posted on any developments. Thank you for your continued support.
Blake Sanders
OGMA President
president@ogma.ca