Corporate Social Responsibility

CSR refers to the voluntary activities of companies, over and above regulation, that serve to integrate social, environmental and economic concerns into their activities.

Responsible corporate behaviour not only boosts a company’s chances for success, but can create economic benefits for Canada and other countries where the company has a presence. Investing and operating responsibly helps companies promote Canadian values internationally and contribute to the sustainable development of communities.

In the CSR Strategy, Doing Business the Canadian Way, the Government of Canada states that it expects Canadian companies operating abroad to respect human rights and all applicable laws, and to meet or exceed recognized international standards for responsible business conduct. For companies operating where local laws do not align with Canadian values, the Canadian government encourages them to find ways to reflect Canadian values while respecting local laws.

Useful Links

Corporate Social Responsibility Standards Navigation Tool

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Canada’s Enhanced Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy to Strengthen Canada’s Extractive Sector Abroad

CSR Counsellor

Centre of Excellence in CSR

Global Reporting Initiative

OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

Canada's National Contact Point (NCP) for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (MNEs)

International Finance Corporation’s (IFC’s) Performance Standards on Social & Environmental Sustainability

OECD Due Diligence Guidance on Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas

UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (GPs)

Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs)