Unlocking the Potential of Collaboration
Welcome to the Spring 2025 edition of the OECM Connection!
This issue includes a special section that highlights OECM’s commitment to fostering sustainable practices and building stronger communities through our dedication to Environmental, Social, Governance, and Indigenous (ESGI) engagement and community relations as key principles and pillars of our approach.
We share how we are supporting customers navigate the province’s Procurement Restriction Policy, take you on a journey, as we tour and increase our learnings at a supplier partner’s Expo. At the same time, we celebrate several of our Thought Leadership articles, speaking presentations and engagements with our collaborative partners, and let you know what’s next in our pipelines, where to see us next, and have a bit of home run fun along the way!
Highlights
Procurement Restriction Policy: OECM Compliance and FAQs
OECM is fully compliant with Ontario’s Procurement Restriction Policy, and we’ve created an FAQ to support your understanding and implementation of the Policy and how it may apply when leveraging OECM agreements.
Have Your Say: OECM’s Customer Satisfaction Survey
Complete the third wave of the short Customer Satisfaction Survey by June 30, 2025, and be automatically entered in a draw for a chance to win 1 of 3 Amazon Gift Cards!
Latest Agreements Awarded
Our Marketplace is expanding, bringing in exciting new and re-tendered agreements to help meet the purchasing needs of different sectors. Here’s an overview of our latest agreements, which have been launched since the last issue of the OECM Connection.
Upcoming Agreements
Explore our Upcoming Agreements in the pipeline and consider opportunities to engage in the sourcing process as a Project Advisor or Evaluator.
ESGI Special Edition
OECM Wins 2024 SPLC Leadership Award for Advancing ESG in Procurement!
We are proud to embed ESG principles into our procurement process, driving innovation and meaningful impact across the Broader Public Sector.
2024 Supplier Recognition Program: Advancing ESG in Procurement & Driving Impact
From removing over 130,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions to raising $12M+ for tree planting initiatives, see how Supplier Partners are advancing sustainability through OECM’s 2024 Supplier Recognition Program.
OECM Allocates 12% Weight to ESG in Sourcing Initiatives
Effective May 1, 2025, OECM adopted a policy to allocate a minimum of 12% weighting to ESG components in the overall evaluation criteria for all sourcing initiatives. Read more about OECM’s commitment to responsible procurement here.
Joining Canadian Association for Sustainable Infrastructure Services (CASIS): Two-fold Benefit
We’re working with national infrastructure leaders to help drive sustainable, low-carbon solutions in the public sector.
OECM Joins Canadian Collaboration for Sustainable Procurement (CCSP) Working Group
OECM is collaborating with public sector leaders to strengthen how sustainability is measured in contract management to support better ESG outcomes.
Corporate Updates
Thought Leadership
Explore recent OECM Thought Leadership articles focusing on our partnerships with NCPP, NISCL and OPBA.
OECM’s Annual Report Now Available
Each year, OECM prepares an Annual Report to summarize the previous year’s business, highlighting key financial details, important corporate initiatives, and significant achievements.
Humber College Capstone Project on Supplier Data Validation
OECM worked with Humber College students on a capstone project focused on enhancing how supplier data is validated, supporting greater accuracy, accountability, and insight across our reporting processes.
Brushes, Bats, and Bonding: OECM Hosts Staff Painting Day and Softball Games for Team Building and Connection
Stronger teams are built through moments shared beyond the meeting room. This spring, OECM hosted a Staff Painting Day and Softball Games to spark connection, creativity, and camaraderie across the organization.
New University Sector Advisory Member Appointed to OECM’s Customer Council Committee
OECM welcomes Wilfrid Laurier’s Nela Petkovic to its Customer Council Committee as a new advisory member representing the university sector.
Events & Community
Celebrating Supplier Partner Excellence: 2024 Supplier Recognition Program Awards Ceremony
This year’s ceremony brought together supplier partners from across Ontario, recognizing their excellence and commitment to providing exceptional service and overall value to OECM Customers.
OECM: A Proud Program Partner for Empowered Kids Ontario’s Spring Symposium
OECM was proud to support Empowered Kids Ontario’s Spring Symposium, celebrating the people and organizations driving better outcomes for children with disabilities and their families across Ontario.
Educational Tour: OECM At The 2025 Fastenal Customer Expo
OECM connected with industry leaders and explored hands-on innovations that are shaping the future of maintenance, operations, and sustainable supply chain solutions.
Events, Webinars, and Conferences
We appreciate the opportunities to connect and chat with our procurement partners and industry friends! Check out our detailed list of events we’ve attended and where you can catch us next. We would love to see you there!
Social Media
Follow us on our LinkedIn and X accounts for the latest news on OECM offerings available through our Marketplace, upcoming sourcing projects, sector events, and more! Be sure to follow OECM’s New President and CEO, Jim Hadjiyianni, on LinkedIn.
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