Opening Keynote: Andrew Winston: Author of Net Positive

Topic: Gigatrends and the Drive to Net Positive: How courageous companies thrive by giving more than they take.

Our economy and society are healing from the pandemic, but extreme challenges remain, such as climate change and inequality. Business has the vast opportunity – along with the tools and skills – to profit from solving the world’s problems, not creating them. Based on his new book Net Positive – co-authored with legendary CEO Paul Polman – this inspiring talk from renowned strategist Andrew Winston will help you navigate the seismic changes sweeping through business.

Key takeaways:

• Address the existential challenges, trends, and stakeholder pressures that are profoundly changing the way business operates
• Learn how to build companies that thrive and profit by solving the world's problems, not creating them
• Consider what leadership looks like, with concrete examples of companies around the world profiting from sustainability

Julie Segal: Senior Manager, Climate Finance at Environmental Defence ​

Topic: The Urgency of Climate Action & Canadian Policy Developments for Climate Finance​​

This session will introduce current climate science, the climate risks to Canada's economy and businesses, and provide an update on the urgency of climate action.

Key takeaways:

• Discuss recent climate policy factors that affect CPAs in Ontario, like OSFI's new climate-disclosure regulation B-15
• Consider how new climate policies would affect financial statements
• Identify how Canadian climate finance policy compares to other global jurisdictions, and what to expect as the trajectory

Professor Charles H. Cho: Professor of Sustainability Accounting and Erivan K. Haub Chair in Business & Sustainability at Schulich School of Business​

Topic: ESG and Sustainability: Accounting for Grand Challenges.

Using academic research and practice insights, Charles will explain the differences between ‘ESG’ and ‘Sustainability’ before delving into the current discussions around accountants and the role of accounting firms in addressing planetary grand challenges through social accounting. He argues that modern slavery represents a grand challenge that impacts millions of lives and is the subject of increasing legislation such as the Modern Slavery Act.

Key Takeaways:

• The differences between ‘ESG’ and ‘Sustainability’
• Role of accounting profession in addressing grand challenges
• Modern slavery as a major social issue

Zlata Huddleson: Partner, IBM Consulting Sustainability ​

Topic: How Technology firms are playing a critical role in supporting Canadian businesses to drive progress in ESG reporting.​

Technology can play a critical role in improving sustainability efforts, and technology firms [like IBM] are working with organizations to align sustainability goals to business objectives, including compliance. And while organizations across Canada have made a number of sustainability and net zero commitments, many lack the tools and resources to accurately track and report on progress.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand which tools and resources to invest in to improve operations and reporting
• Learn how to help Canadians achieve sustainability goals and increase transparency
• Consider the steps that are needed to result in a more sustainable future for Canada

Panel Discussion: Moderators Jennifer Teoh, CPA, CA, Associate Partner & Munam Khan, Senior Manager Ernst & Young LLP and panel of clients including Canadian Bank leader, Pension Plan leader, mining company leader​

Panel of clients: Canadian Bank leader, Pension Plan leader, mining company leader

Topic: ESG Journey in the Finance Function ​

Our expert panel of finance practitioners and industry leaders will share insight from their experience in the ESG journey. Learn more about defining the reporting strategy to create long term value in the finance function, enhancing the finance operating model, building robust capabilities, and reporting with confidence.

Key takeaways:

• Update on the current ESG reporting landscape in Canada, and key challenges faced by organizations, including small and medium sized businesses
• Strategies to enhance governance, risk, and controls processes for effective management of climate-related risks
• Insights into readiness for assurance on ESG reporting

Tyson Dyck: Partner, Torys LLP

Topic: Trends in Climate-Related Disclosure

This presentation will discuss the emerging rules for climate-related disclosure, including the rules under development by securities regulators and those proposed by organizations like the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).

Key takeaways:

• Review the major climate change disclosure proposals have been published and are at varying stages of advancement.
• Consider how the proposals are each based on the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and cover similar topics, but the scope of each proposal differs in important respects
• While final rules are pending, companies can take important steps to prepare for implementation including: developing and strengthening internal governance structures, establishing data collection processes, obtaining internal alignment on targets, reviewing existing voluntary disclosure and considering the external validation of GHG emissions data

Closing Keynote - Shelley Gilberg, National ESG Markets Leader and Canadian Platforms Leader, PwC Canada

Topic: Role of the Board and ESG​

This inspiring presentation from an experienced Board Director with a primary focus on Audit & Risk and Technology & Innovation Committees, will help you better understand current ESG landscape and how to develop and implement strategic initiatives to create value by addressing ESG risks and opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the trends and leading practices in governance and accountability/operating models for ESG and Sustainability
• Look at the key questions boards are asking or should be asking that management teams need to be ready for
• Learn why a commitment, action, and communication framework matters to Boards and governance bodies when it comes to ESG

Host Closing Remarks: Sabreen Salman CPA, CA. Director, ESG Reporting & Measurement at Export Development Canada