Chuck Chan Brand Development and Trademark Programs UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

1. Canadian Universities Implementing Codes of Conduct An Opportunity to Think Strategically and Act Collaboratively Chuck Chan Brand Development and Trademark Programs UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO CAUBO June, 2005 1

2. Background Practices Innovations Challenges faced by all Canadian Universities Moving toward an ethical purchasing policy for branded university apparel 2

3. Background We ALL agree that fair labour practices are essential – this is a no brainer!!! We agree that universities and colleges should be able to create products that promote the institution We want a way of ensuring fair labour practices that won’t cripple us with administration 3

4. Background Throughout North America, Students Against Sweatshops petition universities to develop “codes of conduct” Universities and colleges develop codes and set standards unique to their institution Universities and colleges left to administer codes and wondering “how do we actually monitor the information which has been disclosed to us?” 4

5. Getting Heard … • The individual purchasing power of any Canadian university represents insignificant leverage in the manufacturing market place (we are not major US universities) • Factories are working toward the standards of internationally recognized codes of conduct (FLA/WRC) Should your institution develop a Code of Conduct? – The answer might surprise you. 5

6. Best Practices & Innovations • Joined International Collegiate Licensing Association (ICLA) • Asserted Canadian leadership within organization • Developed working relationships with Fair Labor Association (FLA) Workers Rights Consortium (WRC) • Learn from best practices south of the border – Canada is at an distinct advantage because of program infancy • Looking for opportunities to streamline processes at U of T and nationally 6

7. Observations Codes of Conduct should be specific to licensed institutional retail apparel (Bookstore) Bookstores from UBC to DAL use many of the same suppliers Over 50% of those suppliers are in fact members of the FLA or WRC Administrative processes are duplicated at most universities and colleges in North America in an effort to account for product production The FLA and WRC work together much of the time 7

8. Challenges Faced by Canadian Educational Institutions Need to account for collegiate apparel Need to employ practical solutions Need resources in order to administer accountability Need to establish exactly what level of accountability and monitoring is expected of non-retail / promotional suppliers 8

9. Monitoring AND NOW ….the reality check WRC and FLA employ similar monitoring techniques WRC and FLA work together frequently Monitoring is conducted primarily where there is sufficient leverage to make change happen 9

10. The Reality Check … • Apparel is being monitored – What about promotional items? • Collecting factory disclosure info / and forcing membership in FLA / WRC of promotional suppliers is an administrative exercise with no monitoring solution. 10

11. For Your Consideration • University licensing programs are similar and small coast to coast • Canadian’s take pride in wearing their university apparel • Apparel is the primary focus of monitoring Canadian universities and colleges share a relatively short list of shared apparel manufacturers This list could be nationally administered thus saving thousands of hours monitoring the same companies 11

12. Innovative and Uniquely Canadian Solution • Eliminate administrative duplication by having one central and automated host website • Encourage educational institutions to recognize both the code of conduct of the FLA and WRC as viable alternatives • Information would be available by manufacturer, location or school. • Links would be provided to both the WRC and FLA sites 12

13. Questions and Feedback 13