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5.10 Supply Chain Code of Ethics
This online version is for convenience; the official version of this policy is housed in the University Secretariat. In case of discrepancy between the online version and the official version held by the Secretariat, the official version shall prevail.
Approving Authority: Board of Governors
Original Approval Date: February 6, 2010
Date of Most Recent Review/Revision: February 15, 2024
Office of Accountability: Vice-President: Finance and Administration
Administrative Responsibility: Procurement Services
1.00 Purpose
1.01 The purpose of the Supply Chain Code of Ethics is to define acceptable behaviours and standards that should be common for everyone involved in supply chain activities at Wilfrid Laurier University. It is not meant to supersede similar codes already in place but to supplement such codes with supply chain-specific standards of practice.
2.00 Definitions
2.01 Supply Chain Activities: All activities directly or indirectly related to the Organization’s planning, sourcing, procurement, contracting, logistics, and payment for goods and services.
2.02 Member(s) of the University Community: Persons who currently live, work, or study (in person or online) on any Laurier campus. Members include Students (including student groups), Employees, adjunct and visiting faculty, Contractors, and volunteers at Laurier.
2.03 Employees: A person who performs work for wages in any capacity for the University but does not include independent contractors.
2.04 Contractors: Any person(s) providing services or goods to the University under a contract or other agreement not paid as an Employee through the University’s payroll system.
3.00 Jurisdiction/Scope
3.01 The Supply Chain Code of Ethics applies to all Members of the University Community engaging in supply chain related activities on behalf of the University.
4.00 Policy
4.01 Personal Integrity and Professionalism
All individuals involved with purchasing or other supply chain-related activities must act, and be seen to act, with integrity and professionalism. Honesty, care, and due diligence must be integral to the supply chain activities within and between, Wilfrid Laurier University, other Ontario Broader Public Sector (BPS) organizations, suppliers and other stakeholders. Respect must be demonstrated for each other and for the environment. Confidential information must be safeguarded. All participants must not engage in any activity that may create, or appear to create, a conflict of interest, such as accepting gifts or favours, providing preferential treatment, or publicly endorsing suppliers or products.
4.02 Accountability and Transparency
Supply chain activities must be open and accountable. In particular, contracting and purchasing activities must be fair, transparent and conducted with a view to obtaining the best value for public money. All participants must ensure that public sector resources are used in a responsible, efficient, and effective manner.
4.03 Compliance and Continuous Improvement
All individuals involved in purchasing or other supply chain-related activities must comply with this Code of Ethics and the laws of Canada and Ontario. All individuals should continuously work to improve supply chain policies and procedures, to improve their supply chain knowledge and skill levels, and to share leading practices.
5.00 Failure to Adhere to the Code
Employees who fail to adhere to the code of ethics may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination with cause.
Relevant Legislation
Broader Public Sector Accountability Act, 2010, S.O. 2010, c. 25
Broader Public Sector Procurement Directive