Progress towards a social procurement policy continues at the City of Winnipeg. On March 17th, the Executive Policy Committee unanimously carried the recommendation by the public service following a 90-day reporting mandate approved on December 17, 2020.
The approved public service recommendation is as follows:
WINNIPEG PUBLIC SERVICE RECOMMENDATION: (View Full Report HERE)
1. That the Winnipeg Public Service establish a working group consisting of industry, community intermediaries, Indigenous business, Chambers of Commerce, and the social enterprise sector to advise on improving sustainability for the City’s procurement of goods and services, and report back on the matter in 240 days.
2. That the Proper Officers of the City be authorized to do all things necessary to implement the intent of the foregoing.
We Want To Work will continue to play an active role in advocating for, and shaping, the establishment of a fair and equitable social procurement policy, including mechanisms for increased social purchasing and community benefit agreements.
The City of Winnipeg is showing leadership, following the trend of many Canadian municipalities and federal funding models in order to leverage procurement to grow a more diverse, equitable local economy, provide employment and skills training to disadvantaged individuals and groups, and improve the health and wellbeing of all community members.
So… Whats Next?
The establishment of a working group to continue social procurement policy development is critical. We Want to Work will have an active voice at the table to ensure that the focus of any proposed policy remains on socio-economic outcomes for those who have been left out of the economic system as it stands today.
The full administrative report outlines next steps, including identifying a target list of High Impact Procurement Opportunities (HIPO) from which pilot projects can be selected. Within the 240 day time frame approved by EPC, it is our hope that the City of Winnipeg has identified and selected HIPO’s for pilots by early 2022.
Want to learn more?
Contact We Want To Work or reach out to any of our coalition members.