Every purchase has a ripple effect and multiplier impacts, whether unintentional or intentional. Intentional purchasing targeted to social economy businesses can insure the greatest impact opportunities for a people centred economy and healthy communities. The procurement policies and the purchasing practices of the three levels of government, NPO’s and private sector should maximize their buying from the social economy, cooperatives and social enterprises. This requires initiating marketing schemes, purchaser and supplier matching, and appropriate incentives to encourage participation in a changing supply chain management model.
Background
From May 30 to June 1, 2010, the National Summit on a People-Centred Economy was an unprecedented gathering of leaders and representatives of the community economic development, cooperative and social economy sectors to build a common agenda and mobilize action for a secure, sustainable economy that puts people and the planet first. The Summit sought to mobilize networks and organizations by building on the best research, agreeing on a common action plan, and increasing awareness of this sector among politicians, policy makers, non-governmental sector leaders and the mainstream media.
As part of the preparatory process for the Summit, six issue papers were drafted on themes which outline the key strengths, challenges and proposals for action to further reinforce this movement. These issue papers were subject to an engagement and outreach process for feedback and revisions by Summit participants and other stakeholders between March 1 and May 15. The revised papers were presented at the Summit, where a common declaration and action plan were developed.
