ARTICLE · 05 MAY 2025

The ESG Landscape In 2025: Navigating Shifting Currents

RSM Canada

Explore more from RSM Canada

The sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) domain finds itself at a pivotal juncture. The interplay between regulatory evolution, technological advancement...

CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law

Alex Kotsopoulos

The sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) domain finds itself at a pivotal juncture. The interplay between regulatory evolution, technological advancement and political dynamics promises to reshape how businesses approach sustainability. Here, we explore seven key trends poised to define the year ahead.

Seven key ESG trends shaping the year ahead

The politicization of ESG: Regulatory momentum persists

The politicization of ESG remains a central theme in the United States and other countries. Polarization of issues such as climate policy and corporate social responsibility has intensified, with several states/jurisdictions adopting diverging stances. Yet, beneath the rhetoric, regulatory momentum continues to push companies toward greater transparency and accountability.

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

Related Articles

BC Securities Commission Holds That A Significant Share Issuance In A Proxy Contest Is Not Contrary To The Public Interest: Re Zefiro Methane Corp.

CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law

The Canadian Consumer: Regional Differences And Buying Behaviour

CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law

Manufacturing Facility Acquisitions: Structuring Deals To Avoid Post Closing Real Estate Risk

CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law

In The Chair With Brent Belzberg (Podcast)

CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law

The Long-duration Acquirer: Where Entrepreneurship Meets Private Equity

CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

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

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

Comparative Guide

Shareholder Activism

Comparative Guide

Venture Capital

Comparative Guide

Private Client

Comparative Guide

Technology M&A

See more popular content from

Corporate/Commercial Law

Canadian Public M&A Deal Study 2016

The eighth annual Blakes Canadian Public M&A Deal Study focuses on recurring and emerging issues in the structuring and negotiation of Target-supported public company acquisitions in Canada.

CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Minimum Wage Increases In Four Provinces Effective October 1, 2026: What Employers Need To Know

Kaitlin Mak is a legal professional at Gowling WLG, a global law firm. This profile page provides information about her practice areas, experience, and professional background. Learn more about her expertise and how she can assist with your legal needs.

CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law

The Compliance Judges’ Scorecard: OSC RIE Division 2026 Annual Report

Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, fee practices and the quality of regulatory filings feature prominently in the Ontario Securities Commission’s (OSC) latest account of its registration and examination work. OSC Staff Notice 33-762, released on October 7, 2026, reports on the Registration, Inspections and Examinations Division’s (RIE) activities for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 (Staff Notice).

CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Contracts For Services vs. Contracts For Goods In Ontario

In Ontario's fast-paced and constantly changing business landscape, contracts are the basis of all commercial relationships in law. Whether you're a businessperson ordering stock for resale, a tech firm providing...

CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law

Pacific Legal PC

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

CPA Ontario Introduces New Regulations Governing Alternative Practice Structures

Alternative practice structures (APS), already firmly established in the United States, are generating significant interest and activity in the Canadian market, particularly in regard to accounting firms.

CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Crowe Master Series - Beedie's CFO Mason Bennett: Advice For Those Looking For A Career At Beedie (Video)

Are you considering a career in real estate and construction? Get invaluable advice directly from Mason Bennett, CFO at Beedie. Start your journey on the right foot.

CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law

New Tax Measures To Attract And Stimulate Investment In Canada

Christopher Anderson and Michael Kandev are featured legal professionals at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, a prominent law firm. Their professional backgrounds and expertise are highlighted through biographical information and imagery from the firm's Toronto office.

CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law

Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP

Riding The Take-private Wave: What Canadian Boards And Special Committees Must Get Right

Canadian boards are increasingly likely to receive take-private proposals as private equity activity surges, with $26.5 billion deployed in 2025 and mega-deals dominating 2026. Directors must navigate complex fiduciary duties, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder interests while maintaining defensible processes that withstand scrutiny.

CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law

AUM Law Regulatory Update Newsletter: Brief News (October 2026)

The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) is developing a series of three targeted compliance bulletins to help Dealer Members and Approved Persons apply the Client Focused Reforms (CFRs) in practice. The bulletins build on Joint CSA/CIRO Staff Notice 31-368 Client Focused Reforms: Review of Registrants’ Know Your Client, Know Your Product and Suitability Determination Practices and Additional Guidance, and respond to recurring deficiencies and areas of uncertainty identified through compliance examinations.

CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP