Toronto adopts new purchasing by-laws and policies

Summit, Mar 2001 by Sedkowski, Joanne

The City of Toronto's new purchasing by-law establishes procedures and authority for the procurement of goods and services and to repeal interim purchasing. Within this by-law, the codes of purchasing ethics established by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing as well as by the Purchasing Management Association of Canada apply to all staff involved in the procurement process.

Policies adopted under this new by-law have particular implications for companies involved in procurement. One such policy states that, in an attempt to increase the development and awareness of environmentally sound purchasing, the acquisition of goods and services will ensure that whenever possible there is increased use of environmentally preferred products. These preferred products should be durable, reusable, energy efficient and have minimal negative impact on the environment in general. Bidders will be made aware of these requirements in all Requests for Quotations. The policy is also implemented in the evaluation of all quotations, proposals and tenders.

Another policy prohibits the City of Toronto from engaging in business with contractors and suppliers who discriminate within the workplace. The purpose of this Fair Wage Policy is to ensure stable labour relations with minimal disruption; to compromise between the wage differentials of both organized and non-organized labour; to create a fair playing field; and to protect the public. The City of Toronto does not support nor encourage the use of products manufactured in factories where children are used and exploited, therefore it implemented a policy which forces bidders to state where the products offered have been made. While the criteria will not be used to disqualify any bidder, preference will be given to bidders that abide by this policy. More information about doing business with the City of Toronto can be found at www.city.toronto.on.ca. -JS