Sustainable procurement
Based on Peel's Community for Life, the program uses the Region’s buying power to create positive environmental, social, and economic impacts. It aims to get the best value—not just in cost, but in long-term benefits for the community.
By including sustainability in everyday purchasing, the program shows Peel’s commitment to caring for people and the planet. It supports fairness and openness in how decisions are made and helps increase equality throughout the supply chain.
These values guide Peel as we work to meet changing community needs and build a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable region.
This program:
- Encourages supplier diversity for select Invitational Request for Quotation procurement processes. These types of projects cost between $25,000 and $100,000.
- Reflects our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by removing systemic barriers and intentionally adapting to meet the diverse needs of different groups of people.
How to participate
Suppliers who would like to participate must be certified as a Diverse Supplier through any of these established non-profit Supplier Certification organizations:
- The Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council
- The Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
- The Inclusive Workplace Supply Council of Canada
- Buy Social Canada
- WBE Canada
These organizations require a membership fee. For more information, contact each certification organization directly.
All Peel Region vendors are expected to follow and understand these key parts of the Vendor Code of Conduct:
- Upholding workers' rights: Ensures compliance with the core labour conventions and standards of the International Labour Organization.
- Strategic alignment outcomes: Reinforces Peel Region's values in Health and Safety, Environmental Responsibility, and Diversity and Inclusion.
- Clearer guidance: Provides updated expectations for vendors to comply with while operating at Peel Region workplaces.
The Vendor Code of Conduct strengthens Peel Region partnerships, and reflects our values and commitment to the way we procure goods and services from local to global supply chains.
If you have any questions about the updated Vendor Code of Conduct, email Procurement.
Protecting the health and safety of all workers demonstrates Peel Region’s commitment to ensuring a healthy and safe workplace. Peel Region has begun implementing requirements that construction contractors possess a valid acceptable Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) to be eligible for the award of select construction contracts. These requirements are being implemented in three phases based on the estimated value of the construction project:
Phase 1: Implemented on March 3, 2025, for construction projects valued over $10 million. Contractors must hold a valid acceptable OHSMS Certification.
Phase 2: Implemented on May 1, 2025, for construction projects valued between $2.5 million and $10 million. Contractors must hold a valid acceptable OHSMS Certification, which may include COR® Registration.
Phase 3: As of May 1, 2027, for construction projects valued over $2.5 million. Contractors must hold a valid acceptable OHSMS Certification.
Peel Region’s procurement documents will clearly indicate the specific acceptable OHSMS Certification requirements for submission and conditions for contract award, where applicable.
“Acceptable OHSMS Certification” includes any health and safety management system accredited by the Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) under section 7.6.1 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. As of October 2025, CPO-accredited OHSMS include:
- ISO 45001:2018: Occupational health and safety management systems
- CSA Z45001-19: Occupational health and safety management systems
- IHSA COR® 2020—IHSA Certificate of Recognition 2020-Health and Safety Management System-Standard
- Responsible Care®—RC14001:2023 - Health, Safety and Environmental Management System
- Responsible Care®—RCMS:2023 - Health, Safety and Environmental Management System
More information
- For COR® certification, equivalency, registration or reciprocity details, contact IHSA at 1-800-263-5024 or visit ihsa.ca
- For ISO 45001:2018 details, contact the International Organization for Standardization at customerservice@iso.org or visit iso.org
- For information on ISO 45001:2018 accredited certification bodies, visit the IAF website at iafcertsearch.org
- For further details related to the OHSMS certification accredited by the Chief Prevention Officer under section 7.6.1 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, visit ontario.ca