Supplier Diversity Takes Hold in Canada

MBE magazine – September / October 2012 issue

 

Although supplier diversity isn’t as well known in Canada as in the United States and no legislative “stick” enforces implementation, advocates have given it the momentum it needs to develop in the Canadian context. And in Canada, supplier diversity efforts include ethnic minorities, Aboriginal people, and women. Thanks to diversity organizations like the Canadian Abor iginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) and WEConnect Canada, an increasing number of corporations are implementing supplier diversity programs. Some, like Accenture, have even developed a mentor program to build certified suppliers’ capacity to do business with large corporations.

The Canadian arm of the global consulting firm launch edits Diverse Supplier Development Program (DSDP) in 2008 as a cornerstone of its supplier diversity initiatives. “[As] a knowledge-based company, we can really [build] capacity by having our senior managers share knowledge with diverse suppliers,” says Dora Silva-Bolanos, Canadian supplier diversity program manager. “That is why we put such a big emphasis on a mentoring program. Our intent was to lead the way in Canada and inspire other companies to follow suit.”… CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ENTIRE ARTICLE

 

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Reprinted with permission from the September/October 2012 issue of Minority Business Entrepreneur – For subscription information, go to: http://mbe.magserv.com or call (818) 286-3171.