OECM’s Environmental, Social, Governance, and Indigenous Commitment

OECM is committed 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. By integrating ESGI into our procurement strategies, we strive to create lasting value for our customers, suppliers, and other partners.

We aim to generate meaningful economic, cultural, and social impact by supporting diverse suppliers and fostering respectful relationships with Indigenous communities across Ontario. Our initiatives are guided by collaboration, transparency, and the continuous pursuit of positive change, reinforcing OECM’s commitment to sustainability and reconciliation.

Below, we’re proud to highlight our ESGI journey, including updates on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives and Indigenous-focused programs and partnerships that aim to make a difference. We’re also sharing several ESGI Resources and Tools designed to help our customers, suppliers, and partners navigate their own ESGI journeys. Connect with us and let’s continue to collaborate for a better today and brighter tomorrow.


ESG icon concept in the hand for environmental, social, and governance in sustainable and ethical business on the Network connection on a green background.

The principles of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and Indigenous inclusion are at the core of OECM’s commitment to creating long-term value for all its partners. Early in our journey, we conducted a comprehensive materiality assessment, identifying key ESG factors most relevant to our mission and guiding our strategic focus areas as part of our ESG Strategy Implementation Roadmap.

Chumash Day Pow Wow and Inter-tribal Gathering. The Malibu Bluffs Park is celebrating 23 years of hosting the Annual Chumash Day Powwow.

Recognizing our role in fostering meaningful relationships, we have also worked on an Indigenous and Métis Engagement Framework to guide our efforts in strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities locally and regionally. These efforts have allowed OECM to prioritize impactful actions that align with both global sustainability standards and the specific needs of our customers, suppliers, partners, and the communities we serve. It is also a vital step in OECM’s journey toward reconciliation, cultural understanding, and collaborative growth with our Indigenous partners.

OECM's ESGI Journey: A snapshot of our Environmental, Social, Governance and Indigenous Initiatives

Advancing Sustainability in Procurement

 

OECM is committed to advancing sustainability in public procurement by integrating environmentally responsible practices into its sourcing strategies. Through innovative procurement frameworks and partnerships, OECM aims to reduce environmental impacts while driving value for its customers, suppliers, and partners. This approach supports broader public sector organizations in achieving their sustainability goals, fostering a culture of eco-conscious decision-making.

Read More: Advancing Sustainability in Public Procurement

Sustainability Toolkit

To support our ESG journey, OECM’s Strategic Sourcing team worked with the Ontario Colleges Procurement Management Association (OCPMA) through an RFP process to solicit proposals for a Sustainable Procurement Program/Framework. This program aims to enhance the use of existing procurement processes to generate local, social, economic, cultural, and environmental value.

Developed in partnership with Reeve Consulting, the initiative included the creation of a Sustainable Procurement Framework, a Tool Kit, and Best Practice guidelines, as well as the formulation of sustainable procurement policies and procedures, which include sample RFx language and scoring criteria. OECM uses these tools in the development of our RFP documents and can assist customers from other broader public sector organizations who are interested in gaining access.

ESG Supplier Evaluation

OECM has further integrated ESG principles into its procurement processes through the Supplier Recognition Program (SRP). For the 2024 evaluation criteria, Strategic Alignment has been designated as ESG to emphasize the importance of key areas like social procurement, climate change transition, circular economy, and human capital management as part of this program. Suppliers are assessed on their contributions to environmental responsibility, equitable supply chains, and community development. This evaluation framework ensures that OECM partners are aligned with our shared goals of fostering sustainable and inclusive growth.

For a detailed overview of the ESG Evaluation Framework check out OECM’s 2024 Supplier Recognition Program Guidebook:

OECM continues to integrate key ESG factors into its operations, focusing on strengthening our ESG positioning across governance, risk management, metrics, targets, reporting, and disclosure practices.

Teamwork, documents and circle of hands on desk in business meeting for strategy, planning and analytics. Collaboration, diversity and business people with paperwork, infographics and graphs on table

Social procurement at OECM is about using our purchasing power to create positive social impact by sourcing from diverse and underrepresented groups.

Our approach prioritizes inclusive economic growth, aiming to build a more equitable supply chain that supports businesses led by women, Indigenous peoples, minorities, and other marginalized communities. Through these practices, OECM aims to foster opportunities for these groups, strengthen local economies, and promote fair and sustainable development across Ontario.

Toronto Ontario, Canada- June 7th, 2023: A native Canadian listening to a speech about refugees while Little Amal is at Toronto City Hall during the Luminato Festival.

OECM is committed to building strong and meaningful ties with First Nations communities. We continue to actively engage in respectful discourse and participate in opportunities that foster harmonious relationships based on respect and mutual understanding, helping us honour the Indigenous way of life.

Through active listening and learning, we intend to empower Indigenous organizations to generate value through collaborative procurement and make our Marketplace more accessible to Indigenous suppliers, encouraging commerce across the Province while working to advance reconciliation efforts.

OECM’s Indigenous and Métis Engagement Framework resembles the design and colours of a traditional Indigenous Medicine Wheel to honour the history and symbolism of Indigenous culture and to represent the four strategic pillars central to OECM’s commitment to Indigenous procurement: Indigenous Customers, Strategic Partnerships, Policy and Processes, and Training. These four elements will guide our activities and initiatives to consolidate OECM’s ties with Indigenous partners and organizations.

The Indigenous engagement and partnerships pillar of our strategy is a journey—and one without a destination. Despite our engagement, we still have much to learn and many ways to evolve.

Read More: Strengthening Ties with Indigenous and Métis Organizations

Crosswalk painted orange with white feathers for Truth and Reconciliation to honor Indigenous children who died in Canada's residential schools.

Our Goals:

  • Enhance OECM’s relationships with Indigenous organizations in Ontario;  
  • Enhance procurement processes to enable inclusion of more Indigenous organizations; and, 
  • Increase team competency and awareness of Indigenous culture. 

Indigenous Partnerships

2024 First Nations Economic Advancement Conference (OFNEDA), Dan Munshaw

OECM is proud to partner with several Indigenous organizations and associations. In partnership with the Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association (OFNEDA), we conducted several procurement sessions to equip their members on procurement practices, including how Indigenous communities and businesses can unlock new economic opportunities through transparent and efficient procurement processes.

We spent time learning more about Indigenous businesses and their needs as a participant in the 2024 Ontario First Nations Economic Advancement Conference (FNEAC). We continue to deepen existing relationships and establish new connections to learn from as we shape our framework for Indigenous Engagement and look at ways we can contribute to economic development for Indigenous communities in Ontario and beyond.

Success Stories

We continue to strengthen our relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations. Since 2023, we have worked closely with the Métis Nations of Ontario (MNO) Early Learning and Child Care team to identify community needs and have collaborated with our supplier partners to design themed kitting solutions for MNO families and children.

This has translated into several exciting initiatives, including printing services and promotional products for back-to-school knitting kits, land kits promoting outdoor activities and land exploration, and family Christmas gifts.

Read More: Collaborating with the Métis Nations of Ontario (MNO)

OECM partnerships with Anishnawbe Business, Association of Native CHild and Family Services Agencies of Ontario, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, Metis Nation of Ontario, OFNEDA

Resource Hub

Check out these useful resources and guides to support your ESGI learning and journey.

Sustainable Procurement Program Toolkit
  • Sustainable Procurement Program Development Strategy: This introductory document outlines the definition of sustainable procurement, key considerations, and the practices involved in developing a Sustainable Procurement Program.
  • Eco-label Guide: A list of different types of Eco-Labels, including their main characteristics and applicable product categories.
  • Four Pillar Best Practice Documents: Guidance documents dedicated to each pillar of sustainable procurement: Environmental, Social, Ethical, and Indigenous. Each provides a clear definition of its respective pillar, explores associated risks and opportunities, outlines relevant legislation, highlights best practices for implementation, and includes a glossary of key terms.
Additional Resources

Stay tuned for additional resources, coming soon!

Supplier Conduct Policy

OECM’s Supply Chain Code of Conduct and Supplier Code of Conduct includes an outline for ethical and sustainable standards expected from all partners in our supply chain. These policies ensure that suppliers align with our values, demonstrating a commitment to responsible practices in areas like labour rights, environmental stewardship, and governance. By establishing clear guidelines, we aim to promote transparency, integrity, and accountability in all supplier relationships, reinforcing OECM’s dedication to sustainable procurement.

OECM wants to hear from you! Tell us more about your ESGI experiences and learnings, share insights and ideas, or ask questions about OECM’s ESG and Indigenous Engagement initiatives and how you can get involved.

Contact OECM

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