Overview
Government of Canada departments, agencies, and industry partners responsible for the delivery of large-scale and complex projects and procurement initiatives—including those supporting the mandate of the Canadian Defence Investment Agency—are operating in an increasingly complex, interdependent, and rapidly evolving environment. The Certificate in Complex Project & Procurement Leadership (CPPL) is designed to strengthen the leadership and strategic thinking capabilities required to successfully deliver major projects and programs, from early identification and investment planning through to implementation and successful completion. Participants will develop the ability to assess the broader policy and industrial context; effectively manage and engage diverse stakeholder communities across government and industry; and apply sound business acumen and collaborative approaches that are critical to the achievement of their program and project’s objectives.
Program Format
The Certificate in Complex Project & Procurement Leadership comprises seven separate in-class modules, plus a capstone module. Each module is two or three days in length of in-class learning and will be supplemented with readings, and exercises.
Participants will be able to complete the Certificate over a multi-year time-frame, up to a maximum of three years. The modules may also be completed on a stand-alone basis, provided space is available in the selected module.
Participants that have completed prior learning programs through Telfer Executive Programs that are equivalent to the content of any of the modules will be able to apply for an exemption. Other similar prior learning will be assessed for exemption on a case by case basis.
Who Should Attend
The certificate program is designed for:
- program and project managers
- procurement managers
- supply chain managers
- military project directors
- portfolio managers
- key advisors in both government and industry organizations
Typical candidates sponsored for the program are from:
- large IT and IS management organizations
- procurement management functions
- major crown projects
- equipment and fleet management organizations
- infrastructure development initiatives
This program is relevant for Canadian public sector employees and for the employees of industry suppliers and partners that work with public sector departments and agencies.
How to Register
The Certificate may be completed over a multi-year time frame if required, up to a maximum of three years. The modules may also be completed on a stand-alone basis, provided space is available. To register for a module on a stand-alone basis, please visit that module's separate webpage by clicking on the link in the module title, listed below.
Two separate 2026-2027 cohorts are being offered and a 10% reduction of program fees applies for participants who will be completing the Certificate in a 2026-2027 cohort. Participants are encouraged to complete modules within the same cohort in order to maintain continuity for group work.
Priority registration is given to participants completing the Certificate in Complex Project & Procurement Leadership in a 2026-2027 Cohort. Registration for individual modules will open in Fall of 2026.
Due to high demand for some of the individual program modules, we may offer extra cohorts of certain modules. These will be dedicated to individuals who are not enrolled in the Certificate to ensure space for everyone who wishes to attend. Extra cohorts may be offered for the following four modules:
If you wish to be notified when registration is open for one or more of these modules, please email us at executiveprograms@telfer.uOttawa.ca to subscribe to notifications.
Follow the hyperlinks below (see Overview of Program Modules) to access each individual module’s registration page.
| Module | Cohort 23 Dates | Cohort 24 Dates |
|---|---|---|
|
Oct. 5-7, 2026 |
Oct. 13-15, 2026 |
|
| Systems Thinking |
Nov. 2-4, 2026 (in-person) |
Nov. 16-18, 2026 (in-person) |
|
Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 2026 |
Dec. 7-9, 2026 (in-person) |
|
| Relational Contracting |
Jan. 11-12, 2027 (in-person) |
Jan. 13-14, 2027 (in-person) |
| Business Acumen for Project Leaders |
Feb. 1-3, 2027 |
Feb. 8-10, 2027 |
|
Mar. 8-9, 2027 (in-person) |
Mar. 10-11, 2027 |
|
|
Financial Analysis & Decision-Making |
Apr. 12-13, 2027
|
Apr. 14-15, 2027 |
| Integration Capstone |
May 3-5, 2027 (in-person) |
May 17-19, 2027 |
Additional Modules Dates
| Module | Dates |
| Systems Thinking | TBD |
| Relational Contracting | TBD |
| Business Acumen for Project Leaders | TBD |
| Negotiation Strategies | TBD |
Participants from the Department of National Defence: Please note that five of the modules (Government Processes, Stakeholders and Leadership, Systems Thinking, Business Acumen, Relational Contracting, and Negotiation Strategies) are designed to contribute to the Department of National Defence Project Manager Competency Development (PMCD) program qualification.
Overview of Program Modules
Government Processes, Stakeholders and Leadership
This module provides an overview of the Canadian federal machinery of government and the governance and approval processes supporting major investment and procurement decision-making. It examines the roles, responsibilities, and interactions of key gatekeepers and decision-making bodies, and highlights the importance of contemporary project leadership approaches in managing complexity. The module discusses the respective roles of Cabinet and the Privy Council Office, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, the department of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement Canada, the department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and the Canadian Defence Investment Agency. Emphasis is placed on early, purposeful engagement and trust-building with internal and external stakeholders, as well as on developing leadership perspectives and capabilities required to operate effectively in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. The module also explores the skills necessary to establish and sustain high-performing teams in contexts characterized by cognitive, organizational, and emotional ambiguity.
Cost: $2,750 + HST
Systems Thinking
This module examines contemporary systems thinking theories, concepts, and analytical techniques and their application to complex problem-solving within large organizations including the Government of Canada context. It explores how the systems thinking methodologies informs strategic analysis, problem identification, stakeholder engagement and decision-making related to the governance and management of complex projects and programs.
Cost: $2,750 + HST
Acquisition Strategies
This module provides an in-depth exploration of key considerations supporting early project and investment definition in alignment with the Treasury Board of Canada’s Policy on the Planning and Management of Investments. It examines the development of statements of requirements, options analysis to identify and assess strategic acquisition approaches, and early stakeholder engagement across government, industry, and agencies, including the Canadian Defence Investment Agency. The module also addresses procurement strategy considerations and the assessment of sustainment requirements, emphasizing the importance of whole-of-life cycle costing and affordability analysis at the early stages of project planning and decision-making.
Cost: $2,750 + HST
Relational Contracting
This module examines contractual collaborative approaches aligned with the Treasury Board of Canada’s policy framework for investment, procurement, and project management. It focuses on positioning stakeholders—including federal organizations, industry partners, and agencies such as the Canadian Defence Investment Agency—at the centre of complex business and procurement arrangements across defence, infrastructure and digital project domains, in order to leverage the strength of collaborative governance, shared accountability, and trust-based working relationships.
Cost: $1,800 + HST
Business Acumen for Project Leaders
This module enhances project leaders’ understanding of the private-sector and industry context relevant to Government of Canada investment and procurement decision-making, including corporate governance structures, business strategies, financial management, corporate ethics, business development, and market engagement. It examines how these factors inform risk identification, risk analysis, and gating decisions throughout the project and investment lifecycle, and how to cultivate long-term relationships with suppliers through transparent communication and the strengthening of Canada’s industrial base.
Cost: $2,750 + HST
Negotiation Strategies
This module aims to strengthen the negotiation and problem-solving capacities of executives and managers within complex governmental and organizational contexts. It presents essential skills to support informed, collaborative decision-making that aligns positions with interests, particularly in multi-stakeholder, high-stakes environments. The focus is on conflict management, aligning the interests of stakeholders, and supporting the success of complex projects, in keeping with management best practices.
Cost: $2,750 + HST
Financial Analysis & Decision-Making
This module aims to strengthen the capacity of project and acquisition managers to act as informed consumers of cost estimates and cost-benefit analyses, in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada's policies on financial management, investment planning, and risk management. It provides an in-depth understanding of the impact of risks and uncertainty on economic analyses and investment decisions, particularly in the context of complex, high-stakes projects and acquisitions. The module presents and practices the use of quantitative techniques, including Monte Carlo simulations, using the Crystal Ball application, to support rigorous, transparent, and evidence-based decision-making.
Cost: $1,800 + HST
Integration Capstone
The Certificate's final module aims to integrate and consolidate the fundamental elements covered in the preceding modules. Participants will put the key concepts they have acquired into practice through a large-scale simulation exercise, representative of complex, high-stakes projects and acquisitions. This approach strengthens the integrated application of recently learned methodologies and approaches to governance frameworks, risk management, investment planning, and decision-making based on a strategic understanding of the objectives and multidimensional benefits associated with the success of complex projects and acquisitions.
Cost: $1,800 + HST
Program Facilitators
Mariette Fyfe-Fortin
Program Director
Mariette Fyfe-Fortin
Program Director
A dynamic leader with proven ability to transform vision into action and deliver targeted results, Mariette Fyfe-Fortin is recognized for her leadership of government business transformations and change management initiatives, complex project procurements, and services delivery in sectors ranging from acquisitions/procurement, corporate services, information management, to real property management. Retired from the Canadian Commercial Corporation as Vice-President, Strategy and Organizational Development (2009-14), she oversaw the corporation’s strategic planning, managed government relations and communications, and corporate services. Supporting the President and the Board of Directors, she acquired unique perspectives in corporate governance, investment management, business development and capture, and legal risk management. While in tenure, Mariette was also a member of the Clerk of the Privy Council Assistant Deputy Minister Learning Advisory Committee from 2012 to 2014, dedicated to the development and implementation of the learning and continuous development for Assistant Deputy Ministers and equivalent positions across the federal public service.
Most recently Mariette has participated in the development and taught at the University of Ottawa Telfer School of Management in the Complex Project and Procurement Certificate program (2015-19). She holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Université de Montréal (1978) and has accessed the executive cadre through the federal government Career Assignment Program (1993).
Simon Page
Facilitator
Simon Page
Facilitator
Highly experienced in program management, complex projects procurement and governance, Simon Page recently completed a 41-year career as a Government of Canada senior official and member of the Canadian Armed Forces. Simon recently left the Public Services and Procurement Canada department where he oversaw multiple large project procurements, the management of numerous long-term contracts and the associated defence procurement strategy and industry governance. During his tenure, his Branch was also responsible for the management of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and innovation in defence procurement. His Branch’s portfolio included all procurement and contract management activities for the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard as well as some smaller scale support for other departments and agencies such as the Canadian Border Services. He also chaired the Defence Industry Advisory Group.
Simon retired from the Canadian Armed Forces in December 2019, after more than 35 years of service, to join the public service as a civilian and assume the duties of Associate Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) at National Defence. His time in uniform included a three-year segment as Director General Maritime Program Equipment Management where he overviewed all program management for the sustainment activities for the Royal Canadian Navy including materiel assurance for all ships and submarines.
Simon also has expertise in critical thinking, resource management and strategic planning. He studied Computer Engineering and is a graduate of the National Security Program at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto.
Details
- Registration Deadline
-
Friday, September 18, 2026
- Registration
- Format
-
Cohort 23: In-person
Cohort 24: In-person
- Date
-
October 2026 to May 2027
- Cancellation & Payment Policy
- More Information
-
executiveprograms
@telfer.uOttawa.ca
613-562-5921
Tailored Programs
Our programs and certificates can be delivered to your employees and tailored to fit your organization’s specific requirements.
To discuss your needs, please contact us.
