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Farmers’ markets could be an excellent first step for New Brunswick communities interested in pursuing Fair Trade Town designation. Farmers’ markets already serve as community gathering places that promote local producers, sustainable purchasing, and public engagement.
I believe we also need to have a local perspective. Many of us view fair trade as something that happens elsewhere. However, promoting local fair trade policies that support our workers, businesses, and communities can bring economic benefits as well as improved local social cohesion.
It’s true that fair trade can place a financial burden on some families. Basic necessities are already expensive, so a balance must be found. For fair trade initiatives to be successful and inclusive, organizations and governments may need to balance ethical procurement objectives with affordability considerations. This could include education programs, incentives, or targeted support measures that help make fair trade products more accessible.
From a procurement perspective, incorporating fair trade considerations can demonstrate organizational leadership and strengthen social responsibility objectives. Organizations that improve their fair trade practices can differentiate themselves from competitors and help raise standards across their industry, benefiting suppliers, customers, and communities alike.
Communities and organizations that adopt fair trade practices signal a commitment to social responsibility and ethical purchasing. This can strengthen public trust and enhance reputation. One way to view fair trade policies is as an investment in sustainable and ethical supply chains. While fair trade products can sometimes cost more upfront, these additional costs help support fair wages, safer working conditions, and community development initiatives in producer regions. In this sense, organizations are paying not only for a product but also for positive social outcomes.
However, communities or organizations that wish to undertake this must consider certain key elements.
*Potentially higher procurement costs
*Reduced supplier flexibility
*Administrative, compliance and outreach effort
*Disagreement over effectivenessI think this approach could be particularly practical and efficient for rural communities, where traditional fixed-route transportation (if any) models are often costly and do not always align with local travel patterns. Establishing clear performance measures and provider accountability can drive continuous improvement, efficient use of resources, and more sustainable transportation services for communities with limited mobility options.
I agree that home care for seniors is an excellent example where outcomes-based commissioning could deliver significant value. Additionally, by focusing on preventive and community-based supports, seniors can continue to contribute and remain active within their community.
I agree that for participants facing additional barriers must be carefully managed. To address this, outcome measures should include equity-focused indicators and safeguards that ensure providers continue to support participants with complex needs.
Homelessness prevention is a very good example that could benefit from an outcomes-based commissioning approach (reducing chronic homelessness, increasing housing stability and preventing evictions). However, it is important to keep in mind that results may take time to materialize. In some cases, this may require time and effort on the part of participants, and for some, the risk of relapse must be taken into account.
Homelessness prevention is a very good example that could benefit from an outcomes-based commissioning approach (reducing chronic homelessness, increasing housing stability and preventing evictions). However, it is important to keep in mind that results may take time to materialize. In some cases, this may require time and effort on the part of participants, and for some, the risk of relapse must be taken into account.
I think employment and workforce development programs are strong candidates for outcomes-based commissioning because success is clear and measurable:
*Helping people find and maintain employment.Rather than measuring activities such as training sessions, enrolment numbers, or counselling hours, the focus shifts to results. Government defines the desired outcomes and allows service providers flexibility in how they achieve them.
Examples of outcome measures include:
*Securing employment within six months of program completion.
*Maintaining employment for 12 months or more.
*Increasing participant earnings.
*Transitioning participants into high-demand occupations.
*Improving employment outcomes for underrepresented groups.Good afternoon to all,
My name is Eric Demers, and I’m a Category Specialist on the Corporate Services Team for Health Services (Regional Health Authorities and SNB). I support sourcing and contract management activities across a wide range of non-clinical service areas that are essential to healthcare operations. My portfolio includes categories such as maintenance, waste collection services, janitorial services, food services, and other corporate support functions.
Very pleased to start PSPP-301 training.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend.
Eric
