Protecting human rights in federal procurement
The Government of Canada is committed to leveraging its spending power to positively influence ethical business practices, both at home and abroad.
On this page
- Ethical standards for government procurement
- Foundational work
- Activities underway
- Resources and requirements
- Contact us to learn more
- Related links
Ethical standards for government procurement
As the government’s central purchaser, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards for government procurement. PSPC is developing tools and guidelines to safeguard federal procurement supply chains from human trafficking, forced labour and child labour.Foundational work
PSPC has taken steps towards implementing ethical procurement practices throughout federal supply chains.National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking
The whole-of-government National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, led by Public Safety Canada, was launched in 2019. In response, PSPC created a dedicated team to address forced labour and human trafficking in federal procurement supply chains. This team strives to:
- raise awareness of ethical procurement issues among suppliers
- work with suppliers to identify vulnerabilities within their operations and supply chains and look for ways to address them
- outline requirements for human and labour rights for suppliers
- work with suppliers to develop and implement tools to ensure compliance in their supply chains
- examine long-term approaches to address human trafficking and labour exploitation in federal procurement supply chains
To accomplish this, PSPC works closely and collaboratively with various departments, including Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). PSPC continues to support ESDC with its work on legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains.
Risk assessment of federal procurement supply chains
In May 2021, a risk analysis of PSPC’s supply chains determined which goods were at the highest risk of exposure to human trafficking, forced labour and child labour.
The analysis is an important step to understanding the vulnerabilities of supply chains. The results are key to developing an evidence-based approach to address human trafficking in federal procurement supply chains.
PSPC developed an ethical procurement action plan that includes the following recommendations from the risk assessment:
- prepare tools and awareness materials for suppliers
- assess requirements for an ethical procurement policy and human rights due diligence strategy
- conduct engagement sessions for suppliers of high-risk goods to seek information on the source of raw materials used in their manufacturing processes and raise awareness of related issues
Activities underway
PSPC is undertaking a number of initiatives to further support the Government of Canada in achieving procurement free from risks of forced labour, including:
- developing a policy on ethical procurement and a human rights due diligence framework
- developing awareness and training materials for suppliers and procurement officers
- ensuring PSPC meets its reporting obligations under the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act.
Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act: Requires certain entities and government institutions to submit annual reports detailing the steps taken during the previous financial year to prevent and reduce the risk that forced labour or child labour is used by them or in their supply chains.
International cooperation
The Principles to Guide Government Action to Combat Human Trafficking in Global Supply Chains were developed in 2018 by:
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- the United Kingdom
- the United States
The principles provide a framework for governments to take action to prevent and address human trafficking, including forced labour, in supply chains. As a member of this group's steering committee, PSPC works closely with its international partners to ensure a harmonized approach to the issue of forced labour.
Policy on ethical procurement
In March 2024, PSPC conducted public engagement and consultation sessions to share updates about its ethical procurement activities, and to discuss a draft departmental policy on Ethical Procurement. This policy supports PSPC’s commitments to preventing human rights abuses in supply chains, and ensuring that the highest sustainability and ethical standards are applied in the procurement of goods and services.
Questions and comments from participants focussed on the need for practical tools and guidance for suppliers and procurement professionals.
The policy will establish the basis through which to develop a range of targeted ethical procurement activities, initiatives, and frameworks, including specific requirements and tools. A subsequent human rights due diligence framework will include specific guidance for suppliers.
The implementation of the policy on Ethical Procurement is planned for 2024-2025.
Resources and requirements
To help suppliers maintain the highest ethical standards for government procurement, PSPC implemented the following.
Requirements for the ethical procurement of apparel
Contracting and certification requirements for the ethical procurement of apparel, effective since 2018. The policy requires federal suppliers to self-certify that they, and their direct Canadian and foreign suppliers, comply with human and labour rights standards.
Requirements for the ethical procurement of apparel (Policy Notification-132)
Code of conduct for government suppliers
PSPC’s Code of Conduct for Procurement outlines expectations for Government of Canada suppliers. The code requires that suppliers do not engage in any form of human and labour rights abuses.
The code is mandatory for all Government of Canada procurements as of April 1, 2023.
Code of Conduct for Procurement
Anti-forced labour requirements
As of November 2021, PSPC requires that all contracts for goods include anti-forced labour clauses. New clauses for standing offers and supply arrangements were added in November 2023.
Under the anti-forced labour clauses, suppliers must not deliver or sell goods to Canada that have been produced wholly or in part by forced labour.
Anti-forced labour requirements (Policy Notification-150)
Anti-forced labour requirements (Policy Notification-150U1)
Analysis of the risk of human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour in PSPC supply chains
Rights Lab, of the University of Nottingham (United-Kingdom) completed an analysis of the risk of forced labour, child labour, and human trafficking in PSPC supply chains.
What we heard report: Industry engagement on ethical procurement
In 2022 to 2023, PSPC conducted a request for information for industry, followed by public awareness and engagement sessions. The report summarizing these engagement activities is available.
Executive summary: Industry engagement on ethical procurement—What we heard report
Webinar
In spring 2024, in partnership with Shared Services Canada, PSPC hosted a webinar on the risks of forced labour in electronics supply chains, in English and in French. During the 1-hour webinar, subject matter experts addressed the following points:
- electronics supply chains
- what is forced labour
- forms of forced labour in electronics supply chains
- forced labour indicators
- understanding forced labour risks
- how to monitor for forced labour
- how to remedy forced labour
This webinar might be of particular interest for businesses supplying electronics goods to the federal government or considering bidding. Electronics goods cover a broad spectrum of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hardware products, which rely on electronic components to serve various consumer and industry needs.
To request a recording of the webinar, please email: spac.paachatsethiques-apethicalprocurement.pspc@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca, specifying your language of choice.
Ethical procurement awareness and guidance
PSPC is providing information about the risks of human trafficking, forced labour and child labour in supply chains, and how to address these risks.
Ethical procurement awareness and guidance
Contact us to learn more
Contact us to share your comments or learn more about federal ethical procurement.
Email: spac.paachatsethiques-apethicalprocurement.pspc@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca
Related links
Page details
- Date modified: