Request for Proposals: Policy Consultant – Circular Textiles Strategy

Issued by:

Fashion Takes Action on behalf of the Canadian Circular Textiles Consortium (CCTC)
RFP Release Date: June 17, 2025
Closing Date: July 13, 2025
Location: Remote (Canada-based) 

Contract Start: August 2025
Initial Term: 6 months (August 2025 – January 2026)
Extension Option: Possibility of extension into 2026 based on project needs, performance, and available funding, particularly to support implementation of priority policy files.

Background

The Canadian Circular Textiles Consortium (CCTC), convened by Fashion Takes Action (FTA), is a national, multi-stakeholder initiative working to build a circular, climate-aligned, and collaborative textile system in Canada. We bring together industry, government, academia, and non-profit partners to address systemic barriers and co-create the policy, infrastructure, and data solutions required to eliminate textile waste.

In June 2025, the CCTC presented its policy position to the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME), calling for urgent and coordinated policy reform to support textile circularity in Canada. We are now seeking a Policy Consultant to help shape and advance our next phase of strategic policy work, with an emphasis on influencing government, supporting reform, and implementing cross-jurisdictional policy pathways.


Scope of Work

The Policy Consultant will work closely with the CCTC’s Policy Committee and leadership team to develop and execute a cohesive national policy strategy. This includes federal, provincial, and municipal engagement, as well as targeted support for key priorities already identified by the consortium.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Policy Strategy Development

    • Refine and build out CCTC’s existing policy roadmap into a phased implementation strategy

    • Identify key policy windows and intervention points federally and provincially

    • Develop briefing materials, backgrounders, and government engagement strategies

  • Government Relations and Advocacy

    • Liaise with policymakers and senior officials at Environment and Climate Change Canada, CBSA, ISED, and provincial ministries

    • Represent CCTC in policy discussions, consultations, or advisory tables

    • Leverage existing networks and relationships to open doors and build traction

  • Policy Execution Support

    • Advance progress on priority policy files, including:

      • Duty Drawback Reform

      • Right to Repair Pilots

      • Textile EPR Framework Design

      • National Textile Data Strategy

      • Labeling Reform

      • Digital Product Passport

    • Draft or contribute to policy papers, regulatory comments, and funding proposals

    • Support CCTC in preparing for future presentations 

  • Stakeholder Engagement

    • Facilitate virtual working groups and policy roundtables 

    • Ensure alignment between CCTC’s work and federal/provincial circular economy strategies

    • Support internal knowledge sharing and capacity building

Qualifications

Required:

  • Minimum 5–7 years of experience in Canadian policy, ideally with direct involvement in environmental, circular economy, waste, or textile-related files

  • Proven success in influencing policy or regulatory change at the federal or provincial level

  • Strong knowledge of Canadian government structures and intergovernmental policy processes

  • Established network within government, policy bodies, and/or relevant ministries

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills (briefs, presentations, policy analysis)

  • Fully bilingual (English/French) — both spoken and written

Preferred:

  • Experience working with or within industry associations, NGOs, or consortia

  • Knowledge of, or experience working within, the fashion/textiles industry

  • Familiarity with circular economy frameworks, EPR systems, and climate policy

  • Strategic thinker comfortable working independently in a collaborative environment

  • Experience engaging with the CCME or participating in multi-stakeholder environmental policy development

Deliverables (to be finalized upon onboarding)

  • Updated National Policy Strategy for Circular Textiles (including a phased approach)

  • Drafts or memos for key policy priorities (Duty Drawback, Right to Repair, etc.)

  • Timeline for stakeholder engagement plan and government relations 

  • At least one completed policy submission package or pilot initiative briefing, including supporting materials (e.g. summary brief, backgrounder, evidence base, stakeholder endorsements) suitable for engagement with government or policy stakeholders

  • Contribution to CCTC interim progress report for Q1 2026 and presentation to the CCTC Policy Committee

Timeline

  • Contract Start: August 2025

  • Initial Term: 6 months, with potential extension pending performance and funding

Budget

  • Please include your proposed hourly or monthly rate (inclusive of applicable taxes)

  • Total project budget will be negotiated based on scope and experience

Proposal Requirements

Please submit the following materials by July 13, 2025 to hr@fashiontakesaction.com with the subject line: RFP – Policy Consultant, CCTC.

  • Cover letter outlining your experience and interest in this project

  • CV and LinkedIn profile

  • 1–2 short writing samples relevant to policy, advocacy, or strategy

  • A brief proposal (max 2 pages) summarizing your approach, availability, rate, and any relevant connections or networks you would bring to this work