Purchase of Clothing from Responsible Manufacturers

Background

The Manitoba Government is committed to community economic development and social considerations as a key component of Manitoba's economic strategy, intended to develop a provincial economy that is more inclusive, equitable and sustainable. 

Consistent with the Sustainable Development Act (1998), "Manitobans should think globally when acting locally, recognizing that there is economic and social interdependence among provinces and nations ..." Further, Manitoba's Provincial Sustainable Development Code of Practice (2001) requires that the Government's decisions and activities strive toward "ensuring that our local decision-making is consistent with our global environmental, economic and social responsibilities".

Procurement practices can be one way to assist corporate social responsibilities.  To that end, Manitoba has introduced a combination of legislation, regulation and policy to support the purchase of clothing from responsible manufacturers.  The goal is to promote awareness and to educate the vendor and subcontractor community about Manitoba’s interest in dealing with vendors that supply clothing at competitive prices without engaging in exploitive labour practices.  The intent is to purchase clothing that has been manufactured in a responsible way, namely manufactured in compliance with local laws and a set of minimum labour standards.

Manitoba is the first federal, provincial or territorial jurisdiction to establish a Responsible Manufacturing Policy. 

Benefits

There are several key benefits under this policy:

• Reinforce, in law, the policy adopted by the government
• Promote education and awareness of humane working conditions by vendors and their subcontractors
• Promote improved understanding of the working conditions in the supporting supply chain
• Encourage the relationship building between vendors and government buyers
• Provide support for vendors with responsible labour practices

Legislation, Regulation and Policy

The legislation and regulation were effective March 31, 2009 and are available at Government Purchases Amendment Act (Responsible Manufacturing) and Government Purchases Regulation.

The policy by Manitoba Procurement Services Branch was effective January 1, 2007 and is available at Purchase of Clothing from Responsible Manufacturers.

Application

This policy will apply to purchases by all departments in the Manitoba Government, including Special Operating Agencies who purchase clothing using the tendering services of the Procurement Services Branch.

Reporting

Procurement activity by the Manitoba government under this policy is available on the Responsible Manufacturing Report document.