Cogeco Communications

Supplier Diversity Program

We at Cogeco recognize that diverse and inclusive environments foster collaboration, stimulate innovation, improve business performance, and help us better support the communities we serve.

We encourage a diverse supplier base to offer quality, environmentally friendly and competitively priced products and services, while providing excellent customer service. The establishment of a formal Supplier Diversity Program is intended to provide a fair opportunity for these suppliers to bid on contracts or enhance their ability to do so.

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Why adopt a Supplier Diversity Program?

We firmly believe that responsible management of our supply chain has a positive impact on our communities and the environment, and that this is achieved through the importance we place on local development and procurement, as well as the implementation of our strategy to promote supplier diversification.

The Supplier Diversity Program has several advantages: 

  • Strengthens the supply chain;

  • Expands our supplier base;

  • Promotes healthy competition between suppliers; 

  • Stimulates innovation;

  • Creates mutually beneficial relationships.

Who is eligible?

Suppliers whose businesses are majority owned, managed and operated (51% or more) by diversity representatives from the following groups: women, minorities and racialized people, Indigenous people, members of the LGBTQ2+ community, military veterans or people with physical limitations and disabilities.

 

 

When will I be contacted by Cogeco?

You will receive a confirmation e-mail once you are registered in our database. 

Please note that the information you provide will be shared within Cogeco and its business units and the relevant managers responsible for supplier diversity and procurement professionals will be informed of the availability of potential new suppliers. If our buyers and category managers require further information, you will be contacted.

Please also note that your registration does not guarantee that you will be contacted, even if an opportunity arises in your industry. 

Can I arrange a meeting with the Procurement team to discuss my company? 

Due to the large number of requests, we do not organize individual meetings. However, you and other suppliers offering similar products or services may be invited to introduce your company at occasional roundtable meetings with our internal buyers and customers. You could meet our supplier diversity team at roundtables and other networking events offered by certification bodies and other associations listed below. 

Does Cogeco have a code of conduct for its suppliers?

Yes, Cogeco is committed to following best social, environmental and ethical practices and wishes to conduct business with suppliers who follow the expectations outlined in its Supplier Code of Conduct.

 

Do I need to be certified by a third party?

Although Cogeco does not require certification, it is worth noting that more and more large companies are requiring proof of certification to be eligible for their programs due to, among other things, the high auditing requirements in reporting and public disclosure of ESG results and diversity programs. Becoming certified generally provides greater visibility to potential buyers through supplier databases, events and networking opportunities.

 

We recognize certifications from major national and regional certification bodies and programs in Canada and the United States. Certification of diversified businesses is done through a body that promotes the development of companies that are majority owned by minorities and/or small enterprises

 

 

Our partnerships with Canadian diversity organizations

We have partnered with the Women Business Enterprises Canada Council (WBE Canada) and the Réseau des Femmes d'affaires du Québec (RFAQ) to fast-track our supplier diversity efforts by supporting women-owned businesses. Every year, we sponsor and participate in numerous supplier diversity industry networking events put on by these two organizations. 

We are also working to expand our reach to companies owned by other diversity groups through additional partnerships.

 

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For any additional questions please contact us at

supplier.diversity@cogeco.com