ISSA Canada News

  

James S. Graham Appointed President & CEO of Atlas Graham Furgale 

[January 2, 2024] – Atlas Graham Furgale Ltd. is pleased to announce that James S. Graham has been appointed President and CEO of the company. The appointment comes as a result of the departure of Ryan Proulx.

Graham, former President and CEO from June 2005 until his retirement in December 2015, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Atlas Graham's values and heritage. His proven leadership and commitment to excellence position him well to guide the company into its next phase of growth. 

The Board of Governors, the Graham family and the Furgale family have the utmost confidence in Graham's ability to lead the company successfully. His strategic vision and passion for the business will ensure the continued success and sustainability of Atlas Graham Furgale. 

During this transition period, the company remains focused on providing exceptional products and service to its customers. Atlas Graham Furgale extends its gratitude to its employees, customers, agents and vendors for their continued support and commitment. 

 

ISSA Canada Recognizes 2023 Environmental Stewardship Award Winners

[July 28, 2023 - Whitby, ON ] – ISSA Canada, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, is pleased to announce the 2023 winners of the ISSA Canada Environmental Stewardship Award. The 2023 recipients include Bouygues Energies & Services – RCMP ‘E’ Division Headquarters in Surrey, BC; and Charlotte Products Ltd. in Peterborough, ON.

“ISSA Canada has made a commitment to recognizing the outstanding initiatives that Canadian businesses and facilities have made to help the environment, reduce their carbon footprint and protect the health of both workers and building occupants,” said ISSA Canada Executive Director, Mike Nosko. “This year’s recipients are once again a great reflection of how our industry has stepped up and taken action not only on the behalf of our planet but perhaps our most important asset – the health of our frontline teams.” READ MORE

 

 

Two Canadian Ambassadors to New ISSA Residential Outreach Program

[April 10, 2023 - Whitby, ON ] – Two Canadian Ambassadors have been appointed to the newly created Regional Ambassador outreach program of the residential division of ISSA – ARCSI. The Canadian Ambassadors include Mark Baker, president of Motivated Brands Inc., Paradise, NL, and James Menzies, owner of JEM Cleaning, Mississauga, ON. READ MORE

 

 

Be an International Leader in the Residential Cleaning Industry

[February 17, 2023 – Whitby, ON] – The Residential Cleaning division of ISSA is launching a new outreach program to enhance and support our members as we grow in the residential cleaning sector. Our Regional Ambassador program will create a more personal touch for our members both online and in person. We are pleased to let you know that we have expanded the Regional Ambassador Program to now include an International Ambassador. This Ambassador will represent our members and their interests in Canada, South America, Europe, and around the world. READ MORE

 

 

Industry Mourns the Loss of Joseph Graham

[January 6, 2023 – Whitby, ON] – AGF Ltd. is sad to announce the passing of Joseph Allan Graham, Former chairman of Atlas Graham Industries, on December 30, 2022. Joe joined his father in his broom and brush manufacturing business at Atlas Brush Ltd. in 1960 which was later renamed Atlas Graham Industries. Joe's impact at Atlas Graham began in sales where his goal was always to stay true to his father's vision of building superior quality products and servicing the customer better than the competition with unsurpassed honesty and integrity. READ MORE

 

 

ISSA Charities Awards 2022-2023 Scholarships

[July 20, 2022 – Whitby, ON] – ISSA Scholars, a signature ISSA Charities program – the charitable arm of ISSA, has announced the recipients of the ISSA Scholars 2022-2023 Scholarship Awards, including the ISSA Canada Scholarship. The generous contributions of several individuals and ISSA member companies provided 54 scholarships – including the ISSA Canada Scholarship – to new and continuing college and university students. The ISSA Canada Scholarship Award winner is Lika Konate. READ MORE

 

 

Imperial Dade Enters into a Definitive Agreement to Acquire Veritiv Canada Inc.

[March 18, 2022 – Jersey City, NJ] – Imperial Dade, a leading distributor of food service packaging and janitorial supplies, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Veritiv Canada Inc. The transaction represents the 47th acquisition for Imperial Dade under the leadership of Robert and Jason Tillis, CEO and President of Imperial Dade, respectively. READ MORE

 

 

 University of Calgary Recognized with 2022 ISSA Canada Environmental Stewardship Award

[March 17, 2022 – WHITBY,ON] – ISSA Canada, a Division of ISSA – the worldwide cleaning industry association, is proud to announce that the University of Calgary is the 2022 recipient of the ISSA Canada Environmental Stewardship Award.

"ISSA Canada has long been recognizing the outstanding initiatives that Canadian facilities have implemented to help the environment and reduce their carbon footprint," said ISSA Canada Executive Director, Mike Nosko. "The University of Calgary is so involved with ISSA, and they have the most knowledgeable staff when it comes to cleaning procedures and environmental practices that I have ever seen. The ability of the university to meet the criteria for our prestigious award was simply off the charts."

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ISSA Hygieia Network Connects Canadian Cleaning Industry Professionals with New Online Community

[March 8, 2022 – ROSEMONT, IL] – ISSA Hygieia Network, an ISSA Charities™ signature program dedicated to the advancement and retention of women in the cleaning industry, has launched a regional community for cleaning industry professionals in Canada. The latest of eight regional communities, professionals living or working in Canada are invited to join the regional group on LinkedIn to connect and network with local peers. READ MORE

 

Eight Canadian Companies Achieve Cleaning Industry Management Standard Certification

[February 28, 2022 – WHITBY, Ontario] - ISSA Canada, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, is proud to announce that eight Canadian companies have recently achieved ISSA's Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) certification. Created by the industry for the industry, CIMS is the first consensus-based management standard that outlines the primary characteristics of a successful, quality cleaning organization. READ MORE
 

 

City of Kingston First Municipality in Ontario to Receive GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation

[February 16, 2002 – KINGSTON, Ontario] - The City of Kingston is pleased to announce that it has been awarded GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, a Division of ISSA. GBAC STAR is the cleaning industry's only outbreak prevention, response, and recovery accreditation for facilities. The city's submission has been approved making City Hall and the City of Kingston the first municipality in Ontario - and the second in Canada - to receive this accreditation. READ MORE

 

Swish Group of Companies to sell USA Division to Envoy Solutions

[PETERBOROUGH, Canada] - The Swish Group of Companies, a diversified manufacturing, distribution, and technology company, has reached an agreement to sell its USA Distribution Division – Swish White River Ltd. – to Envoy Solutions, a well-positioned distribution company of Glenview, IL. READ MORE

 

 

Industry Mourns Loss of Bill Marks

[October 22, 2021] – It is with great sadness, ISSA Canada announces the passing of Mr. Bill Marks. Bill passed away peacefully on Monday, October 18, 2021 at Hospice Wellington in Guelph, ON. He was 75 years old. READ MORE

 

More Than 60 Companies Achieve ISSA's Cleaning Industry Management Standard Certification

[August 12, 2021] – ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, is proud to announce that more than 60 companies have achieved ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) certification in 2021. Among those are 10 organizations from Canada. Designed to help companies improve the quality and efficiency of their business and cleaning operations, CIMS outlines the primary characteristics of a successful cleaning organization. READ MORE

 

 

Value of Clean® Tools: Your Solution to Tighter Post-COVID-19 Budgets

[August 9, 2021] – Did you know ISSA's Value of Clean Tools have been recently updated with current data collected from all over the world? As an ISSA Canada member, you have exclusive access to these tools to use with your clients. In this challenging period of pandemic recovery, the updated ISSA Value of Clean Tools make it easier to promote the importance of cleaning and show potential clients why professional cleaning matters now more than ever. READ MORE

 

 

The Benefits Keep Growing

[June 30, 2021] – ISSA Canada is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Certn to provide Canadian members with special rates on candidate background checks. Certn provides the smoothest candidate screening experience with an all-in-one platform, an easily integrated API, and accurate results fast. READ MORE

 

ISSA Show Canada an Outstanding Success!

[June 25, 2021] – The ISSA Show Canada 2021 Virtual Experience, held on June 17 at noon (EDT), was an outstanding success. With over 900 industry representatives registered, the event featured high quality educational programming that spanned all sectors. READ MORE

 

 

Balpex Welcomes Capital Paper Products Ltd.

[June 3, 2021] – Balpex is excited to welcome its newest member – Capital Paper Products Ltd. – effective July 1, 2021. Capital Paper opened its doors for business in March 1984. Today, the company has grown into one of Atlantic Canada's largest independent distributors. READ MORE

 

 

Introducing the Canadian Healthcare Housekeepers Association (HHA)

[June 2, 2021] – The Ontario Healthcare Housekeepers Association (OHHA) is now expanding its mission to embody healthcare housekeeping/environmental services professionals across Canada. To better reflect its new national goals, the association will now be known as the Canadian Healthcare Housekeepers Association (HHA), a Division of ISSA. READ MORE

 

 

You're Invited to Join the ISSA Hygieia Network

[June 1, 2021] – Join ISSA Hygieia Network and become part of a community dedicated to advancing and retaining women in the cleaning industry. Joining the network is complimentary. if you have been involved in the ISSA Hygieia Network in the past, you will need to sign up again. It only takes a few moments to commit or recommit to the community. READ MORE

 

 

Why Should You Certify With CIMS?

[May 28, 2021] – The proof is in CIMS, the Cleaning Industry Management Standard. Learn how CIMS will validate the services you provide to your clients through the leading certification for contract cleaning companies. READ MORE

 

 

Industry Loses a Founding Father

[May 18, 2021] – The sanitary maintenance and supply industry in Canada mourns the loss of one of its true founding fathers. It is with great sadness, ISSA Canada announces the passing of Mr. Jean Larose on May 6, 2021 at the age of 85. READ MORE

 

Edmonton Tourism and Hospitality Industries Commit to GBAC STAR™ Accreditation

[March 10, 2021] – Explore Edmonton, the visitor economy and venue management organization for Edmonton, AB, has announced a collaborative initiative to pursue city-wide GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA. The collaborative effort includes Edmonton International Airport; Edmonton Destination Marketing Hotels (EDMH), which oversees 38 properties across the city; Rogers Place; the Oilers Entertainment Group; and the already-accredited Edmonton Convention Centre and Edmonton EXPO Centre. READ MORE

 

Contractor's Corner Now Available for Download

[January 21, 2021] – ISSA Canada is pleased to announce that the Winter 2021 edition of Contractor's Corner is now available for download. This communication vehicle is focused on developing front-line staff, as well as managers and supervisors from the facility service provider sector. As such Contractor's Corner features the latest educational opportunities, information on best business practices, tips on how to make the job easier, and information on the latest products and services available to the industry. READ MORE

 

 

Ontario Investing in Peterborough-Based Producer of Hand Sanitizer and Disinfectant Bottles

[January 18, 2021] – The Ontario Government is investing $1 million from the Ontario Together Fund to help Peterborough's Merit Precision manufacture bottles for hand sanitizers and disinfectants. This expansion will create 10 new local jobs and retain 75 positions, while producing the vital products to support the fight against COVID-19. With Ontario's support, Merit Precision is investing in two blow moulding lines, tooling and the necessary infrastructure to manufacture bottles. This investment will enable the company to provide locally produced bottles for hand sanitizers and disinfectants manufactured in Ontario by Peterborough-based Charlotte Products. Currently, Charlotte Products is facing the challenge of not having enough bottles to meet the growing demand for its cleaning productsREAD MORE

 

 

Residential Cleaning Connection Canada Now Available for Download

[December 17, 2020] – ISSA Canada is pleased to announce that the Winter 2020 edition of Residential Cleaning Connection Canada is now available for download. Jam-packed with content focused on developing the professional residential cleaner, Residential Cleaning Connection Canada features the latest educational opportunities, information of best business practices, tips on how to make the job easier, and information on the latest products and services available to the industry. READ MORE

 

Introducing Housekeeping Professional Today e-Newsletter

[December 11, 2020] – The Ontario Healthcare Housekeepers Association (OHHA), a Division of ISSA, is please to announce the release of its new e-newsletter – Housekeeping Professional Today. The publication was created to provide the healthcare housekeeping and environmental services sector with a news vehicle to share current trends, industry information as well as educational opportunities and career development options. READ MORE

 

Industry Loses Steve Ambler, Partner of Swish Group of Companies

[November 17, 2020] – It is with great sadness that the Swish Group announces the passing of Steve Ambler, partner, Swish Maintenance Limited and Charlotte Products Ltd. He died peacefully on November 11, 2020 with his family by his side. READ MORE

CFCRA Partners with ISSA & Global Biorisk Advisory Council to Help Companies Achieve Cleaning & Disinfection Accreditation

[November 5, 2020] – The Canadian Flooring Cleaning Restoration Association (CFCRA) and the Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, have established a formal partnership to help facilities meet the highest level of cleanliness and safety to minimize risk from coronavirus and other infectious agents. READ MORE

Ontario Healthcare Housekeepers Association Merges With ISSA

[October 7, 2020] – The health care housekeeping industry in Ontario, Canada, is applauding the merger of the Ontario Healthcare Housekeepers Association (OHHA) with ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association. As OHHA joins ISSA’s Canadian division, ISSA Canada, the association will now be known as OHHA, a Division of ISSA. READ MORE

Canadian Facilities Achieving GBAC STAR™ Accreditation Grows

[October 5, 2020] - The ranks for facilities achieving GBAC STAR™ accreditation is growing day by day. GBAC STAR has been embraced by facilities across Canada who prioritize a clean and safe environment for their building occupants. READ MORE

ISSA Canada Partners with TruShield Insurance to Provide New Canadian Member Benefit

[September 30, 2020] - ISSA Canada, a Division of ISSA – the worldwide cleaning industry association, is excited to announce its partnership with TruShield Insurance in an ongoing effort to unroll new, valuable benefits for Canadian Members.

"ISSA Canada is making great strides in implementing new, meaningful benefits for our Canadian membership," said ISSA Canada Executive Director Mike Nosko. "With TruShield's expertise in fulfilling the insurance needs of small business, we are confident the insurance coverage options available will not only be cost effective, but will suit most business requirements." READ MORE

Clorox Canada Works with the Ontario Government and AdvantAge Ontario to Support Seniors

[September 11, 2020] - Clorox Canada has announced the launch of its 'Support with Strength' program, which aims to support seniors living in long-term care (LTC) homes as we battle through the pandemic. This program builds off of Clorox's $1 million donation of disinfecting products to LTC homes in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia in support of Canada's pandemic relief efforts. 

"In the first few weeks of the pandemic, it became clear that those living in long-term care facilities and their staff were going to be particularly susceptible to the SARS-CoV-2 virus," said Clorox Canada President and General Manager Dave Iacobelli. "We made a conscious decision to provide LTC homes across Canada with disinfecting products to support their safety and protection." READ MORE

Cascades PRO Brand Launches Educational Campaign to Promote the Importance of Hand Drying as a Critical Step in Germ Prevention

[September 10, 2020] – Cascades PRO, the professional hygiene brand of Cascades Inc., has launched a new hand hygiene campaign to promote the importance of hand drying in preventing the spread of bacteria, viruses and other infections. The mission of the campaign, titled "Hand Hygiene is a Two-Part Process," is to inform the public about the importance of hand drying as a critical part of the fight against infectious diseases, including COVID-19. READ MORE

ISSA Show North America 2020 Goes Virtual

[August 14, 2020] – ISSA Show North America announced today that the show will move to a fully virtual event over the same dates, November 16 - 19, 2020. ISSA Show North America will remain the primary event to network, learn best practices, and discover new products and solutions for the commercial, institutional, and residential cleaning industry. The transition of ISSA Show North America to a virtual event will offer exceptional content, the ability to source new products, learn, share ideas, and network in a convenient online setting. READ MORE

Coming Soon: GBAC STAR™ Services Accreditation for Cleaning Contractors

[August 4, 2020] – Based on demand from the facility services sector, ISSA and our Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) division, plan to launch the new GBAC STAR™ Services Accreditation Program by the end of August 2020. GBAC STAR Services will help building service contractors distinguish their cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention measures through third-party accreditation from GBAC's biorisk experts. READ MORE

UPDATED BENEFIT: Workloading & Bidding Tool Calculator

[July 16, 2020] – The benefits keep getting better and better! ISSA has updated and enhanced the Workloading & Bidding Tool Calculator to include a metric version and the ability to add daily and weekly frequencies. This enhanced too is available online and is exclusive for you as an ISSA Member. READ MORE

Empowering Our Essential Heroes

[April 24, 2020] There's only one way to beat this pandemic: together. And that means ensuring cleaning professionals have the training and information necessary to work competently and confidently. There's no better way to Clean with Confidence than by having the training and education to support it. To address the needs of cleaning professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kimberly-Clark Professional™ has teamed up with ISSA and its Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC™) division to sponsor a new scholarship program that empowers more than 10,000 cleaning professionals to enroll in ISSA'S GBAC Fundamentals Online Course at no cost.* READ MORE

ISSA Canada is Here For You - A Message to Canadian Members

[March 24, 2020] The Canadian Federal and Provincial Governments continue to stress the importance of self-isolation and social distancing to help contain the spread of COVID-19. The most recent order came Monday, March 23, when both the provinces of Ontario and Quebec ordered the mandatory closure of non-essential businesses as of 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, March 24. Please note that these closures do not include anyone working within the sanitary maintenance and cleaning industry. READ MORE

Special Announcement - New Show Dates Announced for ISSA Show Canada

[March 24, 2020] Based on recent reports from the World health Organization (WHO), the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and for the health and wellness of our valued show participants, the 2020 REMI Show, IFMA Global Canada, Greening Health Care Forum and ISSA Show Canada have re-scheduled our collective shows to September 2 and 3, 2020 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. READ MORE

Strategic Alliance Formed with The Infection Prevention Strategy (TIPS)

[October 11, 2019] ISSA Canada, a Division of ISSA – the worldwide cleaning industry association, is once again taking bold steps to unite the industry. In its efforts to connect with the healthcare and hospitality sectors, ISSA Canada is pleased to announce it has formed a strategic alliance with The Infection Prevention Strategy (TIPS). READ MORE

Sparkling Clean Canada Achieves CIMS-GB

[June 19, 2020] ISSA Canada, a division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, is pleased to announce that Sparkling Clean Canada has achieved ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard CIMS-Green Building (GB) certification. Compliance with the standard shows that a cleaning organization has the systems in place to deliver consistent, professional services designed to meet customer needs and expectations. READ MORE

Brookfield Global Integrated Systems Embraces CIMS-GB

[November 7, 2018] ISSA Canada is pleased to announce that BGIS, a leading provider of real estate management services, has recently adopted ISSA’s Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) as part of its cleaning subcontractor pre-qualification requirements for future RFP’s where possible. This cleaning standard, known as CIMS-GB, will form part of the evaluation criteria for BGIS’s future janitorial service contracts. READ MORE

ISSA Canada Forms Building Service Contractor (BSC) Council

[January 15, 2018] ISSA Canada is pleased to announce that it has formed a Building Service Contractor (BSC) Council to strengthen the line of communication between the association the BSC sector. The purpose of this council is to provide input and consultation to ISSA Canada in order to improve the value of the association to building service contractors.ISSA Canada is pleased to announce that it has formed a Building Service Contractor (BSC) Council to strengthen the line of communication between the association the BSC sector. The purpose of this council is to provide input and consultation to ISSA Canada in order to improve the value of the association to building service contractors. READ MORE