Supplier Code of Conduct
Toronto Metropolitan University (the "University") is committed to conducting business ethically and responsibly. This Code of Conduct applies to all suppliers, subcontractors, material suppliers, service providers, and trademark licensees who produce goods or services on behalf of the University, including those for the University Campus Store.
The University expects all Suppliers and Licensees to uphold the ethical, environmental, and labour standards outlined in this Code. Additionally, Suppliers and Licensees must comply with relevant legal requirements, including Bill S-211, Canada’s "Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act," to ensure the integrity of supply chains.
The University may use this information to help guide its Supplier and Licensee selection process.
This Code applies to:
- Suppliers: Entities providing goods and services for University operations.
- Licensees: Entities licensed to produce and sell trademarked products, including their contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
Suppliers and Licensees, and their contractors, are expected to comply with this Code.
Suppliers and Licensees are expected to:
- Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards, including labour, human rights, environmental, health, and safety laws.
- Commit to ethical principles such as honesty, integrity, and respect for human dignity.
- Maintain transparency in business operations and avoid unethical practices like bribery, corruption, and conflicts of interest.
The following labour and workplace standards apply:
3.1 Legal Compliance
Suppliers and Licensees are expected to meet or exceed applicable legal requirements in the countries where they operate. Where conflicts arise between local laws and this Code, the higher standard prevails.
3.2 Fundamental Labour Rights
- No forced, bonded, or indentured labour.
- No Child Labour below the age of 15 (or higher where local laws require).
- Workers must be free to associate, bargain collectively, and not face harassment, intimidation, or retaliation for union activities.
Employers are expected to follow international standards for the number of hours worked in a week such as, but not limited to, the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) recommendations, an agency of the United Nations.
3.3 Fair Compensation
- Workers must receive wages and benefits meeting or exceeding local standards or providing a dignified Living Wage.
- Overtime must be compensated at a premium rate as legally required or specified in collective agreements.
3.4 Health and Safety
Suppliers and Licensees must ensure a safe and healthy workplace, complying with local and international standards (e.g., ILO Occupational Safety and Health Convention No. 155).
3.5 Non-Discrimination and Harassment
- Workers must not face discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics based on local and international laws.
- Employees must be treated with dignity and respect, free from harassment or abuse.
- Special protections must ensure women's rights, including fair treatment during maternity leave and protection against sexual harassment and violence.
Suppliers and Licensees are expected to:
- Support the University's goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045 and becoming a zero-waste campus by 2035.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through monitoring and minimization strategies.
- Emphasize waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and responsible disposal of waste materials.
- Adopt circular economy principles, such as innovative packaging solutions with recycled content and resource conservation.
- Protect biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions.
The University may request the following information from Suppliers and Licensees:
- The names, addresses, and business details of their contractors and manufacturing plants.
- Written assurances of adherence to this Code and a summary of steps taken to implement it.
- Any changes to operations that affect Code compliance.
The University, or third party (i.e Fair Labour Association), reserves the right to conduct audits, assessments, and inspections of work sites and business practices. Non-compliance may result in corrective action, termination of contracts, or license agreements.
Suppliers and Licensees are encouraged to:
- Set goals for social, environmental, and ethical performance.
- Regularly monitor and report progress toward these goals.
The University is interested in doing business or partnering with Suppliers and Licensees that are demonstrating improvements or commitment to improvement.
7.1 Living Wage
A living wage provides for workers' basic needs (housing, food, healthcare, and other essential expenses), while maintaining a decent standard of living.
7.2 Child Labour
Employees must meet the higher standard of local laws or international conventions regarding minimum working age.
7.3 Forced Labour and Harassment
All forms of forced labour, corporal punishment, and abuse are prohibited.
