Our Reconciliation Journey: Partnering to Build an Indigenous Value-Based Supply Chain
Collaboration fostered by Niagara Health lays groundwork for unique economic reconciliation initiative
As the next step in our reconciliation journey, Mohawk Medbuy (MMC) is partnering with Medical, Surgical & Safety Supplies Limited (MSS) – one of the leading Indigenous-owned medical companies in Canada – to build an Indigenous value-based supply chain together.
“We’re excited to continue MMC’s reconciliation journey with these valued partners,” said Tony DiEmanuele, President and CEO of Mohawk Medbuy. “As we embrace our collective responsibility for economic reconciliation, this initiative is a unique opportunity to strengthen our health care supply chains by unlocking the potential of Indigenous businesses.”
Niagara Health (NH), a Mohawk Medbuy Member, acted as a catalyst for this partnership by introducing MMC to Medical, Surgical & Safety Supplies Limited, and MSS joined MMC as a Member in 2022. “We were so pleased to bring MSS and MMC to the same table,” said Angela Zangari, NH’s Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice-President, Finance, Redevelopment and Facilities. “These initial connections laid the groundwork for what is shaping up to be a meaningful collaboration. Niagara Health is very engaged in supporting this initiative as a component of our own reconciliation commitments.”
MSS is a trusted and valued partner in the distribution of health care resources. “Together with Mohawk Medbuy, we’re writing a new story about reconciliation in Canada,” says James Hiebert, President of MSS Ltd. “This initiative is a concrete way to build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses and communities as we chart our pathway for self-determination and economic independence.”
In 2022, MMC and MSS explored opportunities to work with MMC contracted vendors who shared a commitment to reconciliation and creating meaningful change. PRIMED, a dynamic Canadian and global manufacturer of medical products, was quick to engage with this collaboration. “PRIMED Medical Products is committed to growing the influence of Indigenous businesses across the health care supply chains of Ontario and Canada,” said David Welsh, PRIMED’s CEO and President. “We are grateful that we were able to collaborate with MSS and MMC on this important reconciliation initiative.”
This partnership makes available a PRIMED/MSS co-branded line of products, with a high-quality acute care nitrile glove as the first product offering. MSS is the exclusive distributor for the Indigenous glove program and will use a portion of their proceeds to support Indigenous communities.
MMC Member hospitals are currently indicating their interest in onboarding to this unique program.
About Niagara Health
Niagara Health is a regional hospital system with multiple sites and a growing network of community-based and virtual services. As a community-based academic centre, our focus on teaching and learning, research, innovation and partnership propels us to continually improve care and make a difference in people’s lives. Our team is made up of more than 7,300 employees, physicians, volunteers and patient partners who contribute to our purpose of providing Extraordinary Caring. Every Person. Every Time. Our Accreditation with Exemplary Standing is a clear demonstration of the team’s commitment to the highest safety and quality standards.
About Medical, Surgical & Safety Supplies Limited
Medical Surgical & Medical Supplies Limited is a Certified Aboriginal Business founded in 1992 in Hay River, Northwest Territories. MSS’s mission is to be a trusted and valued partner in the delivery of health care services that is focused on enhanced outcomes and a client-friendly experience.
MSS is a people-oriented business that has evolved during the last 30 years into a fully integrated wholesale network operating throughout the NWT, Yukon, and Nunavut as well as BC, AB, SK, MB, ON and QC.
About PRIMED Medical Products
Founded in 1995, PRIMED Medical Products is a global manufacturer of medical personal protective equipment. PRIMED manufacturing facilities are ISO certified and undergo regular audits by international regulatory and certification organizations. PRIMED’s high-quality medical products are used in virtually every hospital across Canada and in health care facilities worldwide.
About Mohawk Medbuy Corporation
Mohawk Medbuy is a national, not-for-profit, shared services organization that supports hundreds of health care providers across Canada, as well as child welfare agencies and other public sector organizations. MMC provides value-driven procurement solutions for medical/surgical supplies, pharmaceutical products, capital equipment (FF&E) and food/nutrition solutions, as well as offering warehousing/logistics, accounts payable and linen services.
With an emerging focus on sustainability and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, MMC is actively supporting the creation of a resilient value chain that incorporates environmental, social and economic wellbeing. The Burlington, ON-based organization also has offices in Thunder Bay, London and Brantford and a linens facility in Hamilton.