Supplier diversity program reflects Enbridge’s strong ESG commitment

At Enbridge, we take pride in our?Supplier Diversity Program?which seeks to drive diversity and inclusion within the supply chain by providing an equal opportunity for qualified businesses on both sides of the border.?

Creating and sustaining an inclusive and diverse supply chain aligns directly with the company’s ESG goals while strengthening support of the communities where Enbridge operates.

“Our aim is to always work with suppliers who represent the communities touched by our operations,” says Linet Middlebrook with Enbridge’s Supply Chain Management Sustainability & Supplier Diversity program.

“By creating an inclusive and diverse supply chain, we are able to reflect those communities and offer opportunity to diverse suppliers.”

Enbridge defines a “Diverse Supplier” as a business that provides materials, goods, and/or services to Enbridge (including contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and consultants) and is at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned, managed, and controlled by a diverse person or group with U.S. or Canadian citizenship, and certified by a nationally or regionally recognized third party.

All suppliers retained by Enbridge are expected to share the company’s robust policies around business conduct.

“With any supplier, whether they be classified as diverse or not, our work standards and expectations around safety and environmental performance are rigorous,” says Linet.

“This is paramount given the complexity of our pipeline network throughout both the U.S. and Canada.”

Enbridge’s commitment to, and creation, of a diverse and inclusive supply chain has created significant opportunities for qualified businesses.

One example is Business Control Systems (BCS), a Black-owned business started by Dianne Ferguson in 1986 which provides IT and engineering project personnel, workforce solutions and payroll services.

Ferguson says having Enbridge as a client has positively impacted both the bottom line and her company’s reach, enabling its expansion to Minnesota, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

“Attracting a retaining a diverse pool of qualified suppliers aligns with our corporate values,” says Linet.

“Through this program, we have established so many win-win business partnerships and demonstrated allyship throughout the scope of our operations.”