ISSA Canada

Whitby, ON [June 10, 2026]— ISSA Canada is supporting Ontario Education Collaborative Marketplace (OECM) customers in advancing janitorial procurement through the application of the Cleaning Industry Management Standard – Green Building (CIMS-GB). By aligning service level agreements (SLAs) with measurable performance outcomes, ISSA Canada is helping enhance service quality, support stronger oversight, help reduce operational risk, and deliver consistent, standardized, performance-based cleaning services across facilities. 

Through OECM’s Janitorial and Cleaning Services agreement, all awarded supplier partners are CIMS-GB certified—demonstrating a shared commitment to operational excellence, accountability, and environmentally responsible practices. Developed by ISSA, the association for cleaning and facility solutions, and adapted for the Canadian marketplace by ISSA Canada, CIMS-GB provides a structured management framework that supports more transparent, auditable procurement decisions aligned with public-sector governance requirements. 

“CIMS-GB certification reflects a service provider’s commitment to strong management systems, consistent service delivery, and environmentally preferable cleaning practices,” said Shane Ferris, ISSA Canada Sr. Independent Consultant, Standards, Compliance, Risk & Education. “It gives customers confidence that suppliers are delivering against recognized, performance-based standards.”

 

Seven Integrated Operational Pillars 

At its core, CIMS-GB + Sustainability embeds documented systems, processes, and controls across seven integrated operational pillars that collectively support risk-managed, performance-based procurement: 

• Quality Systems establish measurable service standards, inspection protocols, and corrective action processes aligned to SLAs.
• Service Delivery applies structured workloading and staffing models for predictable and efficient execution.
• Human Resources ensures a trained, compliant workforce, reducing labour risk and improving consistency.
• Health, Safety & Environmental Stewardship reinforces regulatory compliance and minimizes workplace and environmental risk.
• Management Commitment & Governance defines accountability structures and communication systems for effective oversight.
• Sustainability / ESG Alignment integrates environmentally responsible practices aligned with public-sector mandates.
• Continuous Improvement & Risk Management embeds review and corrective action processes to drive ongoing performance enhancement.

 

Together, these pillars create a more structured procurement framework that supports due diligence, reduces operational and legal risk, reinforces service delivery based on measurable, performance-based outcomes—not subjective interpretation of scope. 

“For OECM customers, CIMS-GB helps bring greater clarity and confidence to janitorial procurement,” said Justin Sin, Supplier Relationship Management, OECM. “It supports a more informed evaluation of supplier partner based not only on service scope and price, but also on quality, accountability, and sustainability practices.” 

For OECM customers, this approach delivers tangible value, including improved contract performance through SLA-driven accountability, reduced risk exposure through audit-ready systems, alignment with ESG and public-sector procurement requirements, and cost efficiencies through standardized service delivery and optimized labour models. 

ISSA Canada further supports this work by providing no-charge procurement guidance and documentation, helping public-sector organizations strengthen due diligence, implement performance-based specifications, and align procurement practices with recognized industry standards. 

“OECM customers are not simply procuring cleaning services, they are investing in healthier, safer, and more sustainable environments,” Ferris added. “CIMS-GB ensures those outcomes are backed by clear expectations, measurable results, and continuous improvement.” 

 

About ISSA Canada 

ISSA Canada is the leading voice for the cleaning and facility solutions industry in Canada, representing all sectors of the industry, including manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, distributors, building service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners, and associated service providers. The association advances industry standards, education, and advocacy to support healthy, safe, and sustainable environments nationwide. ISSA Canada is committed to elevating the built environment by equipping its members with the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to position cleaning as a strategic investment in human health, environmental stewardship, and organizational performance. For more information, visit www.issa-canada.com, call (905) 665-8001 / toll free 1-(866)-684-8273, or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

About OECM 

The Ontario Education Collaborative Marketplace (OECM) is a trusted, not-for-profit sourcing partner for Ontario’s broader public sector, including education, healthcare, municipalities, and government organizations. OECM delivers value through collaborative procurement, offering competitively sourced agreements with qualified supplier partners that support quality, compliance, and cost efficiency. By leveraging collective buying power and streamlining procurement processes, OECM helps organizations achieve better outcomes while advancing responsible, transparent, and sustainable public-sector procurement practices. Visit us at oecm.ca or follow us on LinkedIn. For more information on OECM’s Janitorial and Cleaning Services agreement, reach out to the dedicated Customer Support Team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..