Large and Complex Projects & Public Procurement

Event Overview

Governments across Canada are undertaking an unprecedented number of large, complex projects—from major infrastructure and defence initiatives to digital transformation and climate-related investments. At the same time, public procurement processes are evolving under increasing pressure to deliver value, manage risk, ensure transparency, and engage industry effectively, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

To help professionals navigate this rapidly changing landscape, the Professional Development Institute (uOttawa PDI) of the University of Ottawa invites you to a special event focused on Large and Complex Projects and Public Procurement.

Designed for busy professionals, this event will explore the intersection of project delivery, governance, leadership, and procurement in the public sector. Drawing on Canadian and international perspectives, discussions will highlight:

• Emerging best practices for managing major and megaprojects
• The role of procurement as a strategic lever for value, innovation, and outcomes
• Challenges and opportunities facing public sector buyers and private-sector suppliers
• Skills and capabilities required to succeed in complex, multi-stakeholder environments

The event will also showcase the University of Ottawa’s growing expertise and training ecosystem in this space, spanning engineering, management, executive education, and professional development.

Participants will benefit from expert insights, applied perspectives, and meaningful networking with peers from government, industry, and academia.

Moderator

Dr. Claude Laguë, P.Eng., ing., FCAE, FEC, Program Director, Professional Development Institute (PDI) & Dean and Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa

During his long academic career, Dr. Laguë has held academic and academic leadership appointments at three Canadian U15 universities (Laval, Saskatchewan, Ottawa). He served as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Ottawa from 2006 to 2016. Since joining PDI as Program Director in September 2025, he is contributing to the diversification of the Institute’s continuing education and professional development activities in areas such as climate change and large and complex projects. He also works at better connecting continuing education and professional development to undergraduate and graduate university education. Dr. Laguë holds engineering degrees from Université Laval and from the University of California, Davis. He is a member of Professional Engineers Ontario and of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec. Dr. Laguë is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE) and of Engineers Canada.

Speakers

Dr. Robert Crawhall, FCAE, ICD.D, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (ACG|CAE)

Dr. Robert Crawhall, FCAE, ICD.D, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (ACG|CAE). A uOttawa alumnus, Dr. Crawhall leads the national academy in advancing engineering excellence and public policy advice. In collaboration with partner academies in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, ACG|CAE is actively engaged in initiatives addressing megaproject governance, risk, and delivery. He will share insights from these national and international efforts, as well as from ongoing collaborations between ACG|CAE and uOttawa.

Marco Gandolfini, MBA, Founder and CEO of Gandeau

Mr. Marco Gandolfini, MBA, Founder and CEO of Gandeau, a Canadian firm specializing in public procurement advisory services. Also a uOttawa alumnus, Mr. Gandolfini brings more than 15 years of experience in public procurement, working with both public-sector organizations and private companies navigating complex procurement processes. His perspective will highlight practical challenges, opportunities, and success factors in public procurement, including early lessons from initial collaborations between Gandeau and uOttawa.