OPBA-Canoe Scholarship Program
Investing in the future of public procurement in Canada
DELIVERED BY PUBLIC PROCUREMENT LEARNING LAB (PPLL)
The OPBA-Canoe Scholarship Program provides $20,000 in annual funding for public procurement professionals across Canada. The scholarship is funded by Canoe, delivered by PPLL (by OPBA), and built for the professionals doing public procurement work in Canada.
$20,000
$20,000
Annual Scholarship Funding
35
Scholarships Spots Available
100
First 100 Applications Considered
May 31
2026 Application Deadline
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
A national investment in public procurement
The OPBA-Canoe Scholarship is a national initiative designed to support public procurement professionals across Canada in building skills, enhancing competencies, and advancing their careers. The scholarship is funded by Canoe and delivered through the Public Procurement Learning Lab (PPLL), OPBA’s national learning hub.
By supporting practitioners, emerging leaders, and people leaders in building a strong national foundation of procurement capability, this program directly addresses the demographic shift in the workplace creating real knowledge gaps across the public procurement profession.
All scholarship funds are applied directly to OPBA/PPLL registrations. They must be used within the program year (July 1 to June 30). A selection committee including OPBA volunteers and a Canoe representative review every application.
|
Program at a Glance
|
|
|---|---|
|
Total Annual Funding
|
$20,000
|
|
Total Scholarships
|
35
|
|
Stream A (Professional Development)
|
20 x $250
|
|
Stream B (Education)
|
15 x $1,000
|
|
Applications Considered
|
First 100
|
|
Applications Deadline (2026)
|
May 31, 2026
|
|
Program Year
|
July 1 - June 30
|
|
Funded By
|
Canoe
|
|
Delivered By
|
PPLL (by OPBA)
|
PROGRAM FEATURES
National Scope
Open to public procurement professionals across all public sector organizations in Canada.
Workforce Development
A demographic shift is creating knowledge gaps across the profession. This program supports practitioners, emerging leaders, and people leaders at every career stage.
Practical Learning
Focused on real-world application. Supports courses, certificate programs, and professional development through PPLL that working professionals can use right away.
Sector Investment
Funded by Canoe and delivered by PPLL. A shared commitment to strengthening public procurement capacity and the long-term sustainability of the profession.
SCHOLARSHIP CATEGORIES
Professional Development Scholarship
For shorter professional development activities delivered through the Public Procurement Learning Lab (PPLL). Ideal for practitioners who want to deepen specific skills without a long-term time commitment.
Eligible activities include:
- Coffee with Counsel sessions (min. 4 per year, ~$20 each)
- OPBA Ignite sessions (min. 6 per year, ~$20 each)
- Leadership Day (annually, ~$299)
- Other OPBA professional development events or courses
Education Scholarship
For structured educational programs delivered through PPLL. Designed for professionals ready to invest in certificate programs or significant educational pathways.
Eligible activities include:
- OPBA Annual Conference and Tradeshow
- Principles of Effective Public Procurement Certificate Program courses
- Public Procurement Specialty (PPS) courses
- NIGP courses offered through OPBA’s PPLL
- Other OPBA education programs
All scholarship funds are applied directly to OPBA/PPLL registrations. No cash is disbursed. Unused funds after the scholarship period are forfeited. If the cost of your program exceeds the scholarship amount, you are responsible for paying the remaining balance.
ELIBIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Who can apply
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Currently employed in a public procurement role in Canada
- Employed by a public sector organization (municipality, school board, provincial entity, hospital, transit, and others)
- Apply for one scholarship category only
- Commit to using the scholarship within the program year (July 1 – June 30)
- Use the scholarship only for OPBA/PPLL education or professional development
Priority applicants: Applicants who have not previously received the scholarship category they are applying for will be prioritized. You are welcome to apply in multiple years.
This scholarship makes it easier for practitioners at every stage of their career to access the education and development they need.