Environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors represent a variety of risks and opportunities for Canadian companies. ESG factors include:

1. Environmental factors: such as pollution; energy and water use; resource extraction; waste management; and climate change.
2. Social factors: such as inclusion, diversity and equity; employee treatment, satisfaction and compensation; working conditions and human rights; health and safety; data protection and privacy; community relations; and customer satisfaction.
3. Governance factors: such as shareholder and stakeholder engagement; internal codes of conduct and policies; executive compensation; board diversity; political contributions and lobbying; audit practices; and transparency.

Investment in ESG is a best practice for Canadian companies, as it is increasingly accepted that pursuing environmentally and socially sustainable corporate governance leads to positive financial outcomes. With this comes a variety of new legal and market opportunities for Canadian companies.

The field of ESG is broad and rapidly developing. It is therefore essential that Canadian companies develop a nuanced understanding of their ESG obligations to succeed in the New Dynamic.

Dentons Canada team of ESG lawyers have broad experience with relevant laws and policies from an interdisciplinary and holistic perspective.

In addition to the Insights below, stay up-to-date with all ESG-related insights and guidance by visiting our Canada Regulatory Review blog and signing up for future alerts here.

Insights

Aligning OSFI's Guideline B-15 on Climate Risk Management with New CSSB Standards

March 11, 2025

On February 20, 2025, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) announced updates to Guideline B-15 on Climate Risk Management, postponing certain climate-related disclosure obligations for federally regulated financial institutions (FRFIs).

Proposed Diversity Disclosure Requirements for distributing federal financial institutions

February 26, 2025

On February 15, 2025, the Department of Finance proposed Diversity Information Disclosure Regulations1 (the Proposed Diversity Regulations) for distributing federally-regulated financial institutions (FRFIs) under the Bank Act, Trust and Loan Companies Act and Insurance Companies Act.

Regulatory trends to watch: Climate-related disclosure requirements in Canada

February 24, 2025

Climate-related disclosure requirements in Canada continue to evolve. 2025 is likely to be the year when generally applicable mandatory climate-related disclosure requirements in Canada crystalize.

View all insights for ESG in Canada

News and Events

Recent Press Releases

Dentons recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for six consecutive years

April 20, 2022

Canada: Dentons is pleased to be recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the sixth consecutive year. Over the years, we have been working closely with organizations across Canada to build a culture of environmental awareness, both in and outside the Firm.