Purchasing Goods and Services Policy 31-401 | Effective Date: January 10, 2023

Policy 

WorkSafeNB purchases goods and services to support its responsibilities of; ensuring compliance with New Brunswick’s Occupational Health and Safety Act; and the fair administration of the Workers’ Compensation Act, the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission and Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal Act and the Firefighters’ Compensation Act.

WorkSafeNB ensures that purchasing goods and services aligns with the strategic direction established by the board of directors and is done in a manner which is fiscally responsible, providing added value. To that end, the framework for purchasing goods and services is formed around accountability, compliance, and integration.

Interpretation

Accountability

1. The president and CEO is responsible to the board of directors for the operations of WorkSafeNB. The president and CEO, with guidance from the Executive Leadership Team, allocates appropriate resources necessary to support the framework for purchasing goods and services and:

•   Ensures a procurement plan is developed that is integrated into the annual budgeting process;
• Monitors the effectiveness of activities related to the purchasing of goods and services; and
• Provides reports, when necessary, on activities related to purchasing goods and services to the board of directors or their Finance and Investment Committee.

2. The Supply Chain Management Department is responsible to develop, advance, and maintain procurement functions that support purchasing goods and services for WorkSafeNB including:

• Development of directives and procedures;
• Support and guidance for staff in purchasing activities; and
• Regular reporting of purchasing activities to the Executive Leadership Team.

3. All employees are responsible to develop and maintain an understanding of WorkSafeNB’s process for purchasing goods and services.

Compliance

4. WorkSafeNB is considered a “Schedule B entity” under Regulation 2014-93 – Goods and Services Regulation – Procurement Act and as such must procure goods and services in accordance with the requirements of the regulation.

5. WorkSafeNB is considered a “Schedule 2 entity” under Regulation 2022-78 – Construction Services Regulation – Procurement Act and as such must procure construction services in accordance with the requirements of the regulation.

6. WorkSafeNB is subject to the processes and requirements of the Trade Agreements that are listed in the authority section of this policy and as such procures goods and services in compliance with applicable trade agreements.

Integration

7. The purchasing of goods and services supports the strategic direction and business objectives of WorkSafeNB and:

• Aligns with best practices;
• Uses platforms integrated with WorkSafeNB’s financial system that support a procure to pay process, analysis, and reporting; and
• Follows  processes contained in WorkSafeNB’s directives and procedures.

Application

This policy applies to all purchasing of goods and services by WorkSafeNB made on or after the effective date.