Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 04 MARCH 2025

Regulatory Developments In Canadian Sustainability & ESG Reporting

McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault
Contributor
McCarthy Tétrault

McCarthy Tétrault

Built on a unique model of collaboration, innovation and efficiency, McCarthy Tétrault delivers...

View firm profile
Explore more from McCarthy Tétrault

With a growing emphasis on sustainability and ESG practices and disclosure, there is a corresponding drive to build a regulatory framework in Canada that requires companies to provide comprehensive...

CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law
Sonia Struthers
Sonia Struthers
Alyson Goldman
Alyson Goldman
Ashley Wilson
Ashley Wilson
Sheema Rezaei
Sheema Rezaei
Author LinkedIn connections

With a growing emphasis on sustainability and ESG practices and disclosure, there is a corresponding drive to build a regulatory framework in Canada that requires companies to provide comprehensive and standardized disclosure on sustainability and ESG matters. This regulatory framework seeks to provide investors with the information necessary to make more informed decisions that are aligned with their views on sustainability and ESG. The following outlines recent Canadian legislative and regulatory advances aimed at enhancing the transparency and reliability of sustainability and ESG reporting.

1. MADE-IN-CANADA SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK

In October 2024, the Government of Canada announced preparations for voluntary sustainable investment guidelines (the "Taxonomy") to assist investors and lenders in identifying sustainable activities. The Taxonomy aims to help identify "green" and "transition" activities by classifying economic activities based on

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

October 2026 Amendments To Chambers Practice In British Columbia: What To Know

The amendments were developed with the input of stakeholders, including members of the judiciary, the legal profession, government ministries and the public, in response to ongoing concerns regarding chambers delays, scheduling inefficiencies, inaccurate time estimates, and matters that are set down for hearing but ultimately do not proceed as scheduled
CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Article

Shareholders' Agreements: The Decisions Behind The Document

Putting a unanimous shareholders' agreement in place is an exercise in good governance. It gives a group of owners an agreed framework for running the corporation, sharing its profits and dealing with the departure of a shareholder, and it settles those questions at a point when everyone is still working well together. Every agreement is different, because the answers depend on who the shareholders are and what each of them wants from the business.
CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law
Fillmore Riley
Fillmore Riley
Article

Gloves Off: Canada Answers U.S. Section 338 Tariffs Dollar-for-Dollar As Washington Escalates With Import Bans

Canada and the United States have entered a new phase of trade conflict, with Canada implementing retaliatory surtaxes on C$27.6 billion of U.S. goods while the United States escalates beyond tariffs to outright import prohibitions on Canadian alcohol, dairy products, and motorcycles. The dispute now extends into government procurement policy, raising questions about compliance strategies and supply chain restructuring as both nations tighten customs enforcement.
CanadaInternational Law
McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault
Article

Federal Government Removes Certain Energy Projects From The Impact Assessment Act Project List

The Canadian government has removed seven types of energy projects from federal impact assessment requirements, shifting review responsibilities to the Canada Energy Regulator and provincial processes. This regulatory change affects pipelines, electrical transmission lines, oil sands facilities, and power plants, fundamentally altering how major energy infrastructure projects will be evaluated and approved across Canada.
CanadaEnvironment
McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault
Article

Canada Commits To Airport Privatization Through Long-Term Concessions For Its Four Largest Airports

The Canadian federal government has announced a firm commitment to privatize operations at the country's four largest airports through long-term concessions, marking a decisive shift from earlier exploratory discussions. Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed that while the government will retain ownership of airport lands and assets following the Australian leased-airport model, private investment will be sought to operate Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal-Trudeau, and Calgary international airports.
CanadaTransport
McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault
Article

Foreign Investment Law & National Security: Doing Business In Canada 2026

Canada's foreign investment review regime under the Investment Canada Act establishes two distinct processes: a net benefit review for investments exceeding prescribed financial thresholds, and a national security review applicable to any investment involving Canadian operations. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for global investors seeking to navigate mandatory approvals, timing considerations, and potential conditions or prohibitions.
CanadaInternational Law
McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault
Article

FITAA Is Now In Force: What Organizations Need To Know About Canada's New Foreign Influence Registry

Canada's Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act (FITAA) establishes a comprehensive registration regime for arrangements with foreign principals involving influence activities related to Canadian political or governmental processes. Organizations across sectors—including businesses, NGOs, universities, and industry associations—must assess whether their existing or proposed arrangements trigger registration obligations, with significant administrative and criminal penalties for no
CanadaInternational Law
McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault
Article

Changing Lanes: Canada Proposes To Replace Its ZEV Sales Mandate With Technology-neutral Emission Standards

Canada is proposing to eliminate its federal zero-emission vehicle sales mandate and replace it with technology-neutral greenhouse gas emission standards. The shift comes amid declining EV sales, affordability concerns, and trade uncertainty with the United States, raising questions about how the automotive industry will balance climate goals with market realities. What will this regulatory transformation mean for manufacturers, consumers, and Canada's electrification timeline?
CanadaEnvironment
McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault