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I agree. One of the key lessons from Fair Trade is that the lowest price does not always represent the best overall value. By looking beyond cost alone, procurement decisions can help support ethical sourcing, fair labour practices, and environmental sustainability. I also think this reinforces the idea that procurement can be a powerful tool for achieving broader social and economic goals. Whether it’s supporting Fair Trade producers globally or local businesses through initiatives like NB First, purchasing decisions can have a positive impact that extends well beyond the products or services being purchased.
While there are currently no Fair Trade Towns in New Brunswick, communities such as Fredericton, Moncton, or Saint John could pursue this designation. A Fair Trade Town commits to increasing the availability of Fairtrade-certified products, promoting public awareness, and encouraging local organizations and businesses to support fair trade practices.
For example, a municipality could choose to purchase Fairtrade coffee and tea for its facilities, encourage local businesses to offer Fairtrade products, and support community education initiatives. While this may involve a slightly higher upfront cost, it can create broader social benefits by supporting fair wages and sustainable practices for producers. In that sense, it is similar to the NB First Procurement policy, which recognizes that purchasing decisions can generate economic and social value beyond the lowest price.
I like that comparison. While Fair Trade and the NB First Procurement policy have different goals, both recognize that purchasing decisions can create benefits beyond price alone. Your point about keeping dollars in the local economy is especially important. Supporting New Brunswick businesses helps sustain jobs, strengthens communities, and generates economic activity that benefits the province as a whole. It’s a good reminder that procurement can be a strategic tool for creating broader social and economic value, not just securing the lowest cost.
I like your perspective, Fair Trade policy can’t be measured by cost alone. While it’s important to understand the financial impact, I think it’s equally important to consider the positive difference it can make for workers, communities, and the environment.
The school lunch program could be an example of outcomes-based commissioning if success were measured by outcomes such as improved attendance, reduced food insecurity, and better student well-being rather than simply the number of meals served.
I agree and like this example because it focuses on results that have a real impact on people’s lives, not just the number of services delivered. Helping someone find a job is important, but helping them keep that job and build long-term financial stability is an even better measure of success.
I agree, but I also think it should shift from how much service is being delivered to whether those services are making a meaningful difference. By focusing on long-term outcomes, governments can better understand what is working, improve continuity of care, and ensure limited public resources are being directed where they have the greatest impact.
I really like your point about bringing homelessness, mental health, and addiction services together. In my view, these challenges are so closely connected that it can be difficult to make meaningful progress in one area without addressing the others as well. An outcomes-based approach could encourage service providers to work toward shared goals, rather than focusing solely on individual programs.
Thank you! I am very excited to start this last chapter. I am however confused on how to answer vs. starting a new topic. Reading along and hope all is done right 🙂
Hello everyone,
My name is Nancy Beaulieu, and I am a Senior Category Specialist with Strategic Procurement’s Facilities, Goods/Services, and Professional Services Team at Service New Brunswick. My responsibilities include leading a variety of procurement initiatives, including RFPs, RFIs, exemptions, direct awards, and other procurement processes, as well as providing procurement guidance and support to our clients across the Government of New Brunswick.
I look forward to working with all of you. Have a great week!
Nancy
