The City of Toronto is moving forward with plans to get more diverse companies doing city-contracted work — giving more employment opportunities to those in minority groups and with low-income as part of a poverty reduction strategy. The city has set a goal for 2018 of giving one-third of procurement contracts over $5 million to companies who are certified as diverse and who ensure 25 per cent of all direct suppliers are providing community benefits through their business practices. “It’s actually implemented by the private sector. The city will launch a campaign this fall to encourage businesses bidding on contracts to become diverse suppliers. McConnell said the city has hired one additional staffer within their purchasing budget to facilitate social procurement, meaning little additional financial investment is required by the city.

Source: thestar August 31, 2016 18:11 UTC