Government of Canada takes step towards ethical procurement of apparel

Contracts to include human and labour rights responsibilities for suppliers

GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 27, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada has a responsibility to maintain the confidence of the Canadian public in the procurement process and to conduct procurement in an accountable, ethical and transparent manner. 

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is seeking input from apparel suppliers through a Request for Information to develop guidelines and a collective approach for the ethical procurement of apparel.

As part of the proposal, suppliers selling apparel to the government will self‑certify that they and their direct Canadian and foreign suppliers comply with local laws and international standards on labour and human rights. These rights include freedom from child labour, forced labour, discrimination and abuse, and access to fair wages and safe working conditions.

PSPC will meet with suppliers, industry associations and non-governmental organizations to discuss the self‑certification requirement and current practices on ethical manufacturing and sourcing of goods throughout their supply chains.

Quotes

"Our government is committed to improved social and economic benefits by purchasing goods and services from suppliers that operate in an ethically and socially responsible manner. By focusing attention on this outcome, the Government of Canada will be aligning itself with the approach many companies are already taking to ensure the integrity and security of their supply chains."

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Public Services and Procurement

Quick facts

• PSPC currently requires suppliers to provide information about the apparel's country of origin. Once a contract is awarded, the information about the country of origin is published on buyandsell.gc.ca.
• Apparel contracts awarded by PSPC are valued at about $127 million per year.
• The majority of the apparel, 88%, is manufactured in Canada.

Related products
Request for Information on ethical procurement of apparel

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SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada

Ashley Michnowski, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, 819-997-5421; Media Relations, Public Services and Procurement Canada, 819-420-5501, [email protected]