City of Toronto Takes the Lead in Supplier Diversity by Joining with WBE Canada

TORONTO, July 2, 2014 /CNW/ - WBE Canada is pleased to announce that the City of Toronto has become the latest corporate member supporting the organization's efforts to increase supplier diversity and facilitate access to corporate supply chains for women-owned business enterprises across Canada.

"The City of Toronto's membership in WBE Canada demonstrates the commitment they have made to an open and fair procurement process by increasing supplier diversity. It also emphasizes the value to be found in women-owned businesses," said Mary Anderson, president, WBE Canada.

"Our role is simply to facilitate the connection between women-owned businesses and the procurement processes of the country's leading organizations. Once this connection is made, these businesses can win contracts based on their own merit. The City of Toronto understands the concept and by joining WBE Canada, is taking a leadership role in supplier diversity in Canada," commented Anderson.

"The City of Toronto is committed to developing a social procurement framework that supports innovation and competition," said Michael Pacholok, director, Shared Services Project Team, City of Toronto. "By ensuring access to procurement opportunities to all businesses through open, fair, competitive and transparent municipal procurement processes, we are ensuring the best value for the tax payer and we strengthen our supply chain through diversity."

The City of Toronto is the first municipality in Canada to join WBE Canada and is laying the groundwork for others to follow.

"We want to ensure our procurement processes are open to all qualified businesses and that we increase the diversity of our vendor base and leverage the social benefits," said Pacholok.

About WBE Canada

A Canadian non-profit led by corporate members, WBE Canada certifies firms that are at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by one or more women. WBE Canada connects our women owned business enterprises (WBEs) with the growing global demand the public and private sectors, who are seeking the many benefits of working with diverse and innovative suppliers.  In addition to certification, WBE Canada delivers mentoring, training, tools and best practices and in-depth programs for women's enterprises to build capacity, to bid successfully on procurement contracts, and to maintain a competitive advantage in their specific market - thereby facilitating sustainable economic growth.

About the City of Toronto

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games.

Image with caption: "WBE LOGO (CNW Group/WBE Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140702_C1588_PHOTO_EN_4005.jpg

SOURCE: WBE Canada

For further information: WBE Canada: Mary Anderson, President, T 289 837.1821, C 416.543.7875, [email protected]; City of Toronto: Deborah Brown, Manager, Strategic Communications, T 416-392-9305, C 416-919-6501, [email protected]