Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Leadership
In British Columbia (B.C.), like-minded individuals, businesses, communities and Indigenous Peoples are partnering to create an economic and investment climate that prioritizes sustainability. With strong, measurable commitments to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, B.C. goes beyond talking about diversity and sustainability—these principles are ingrained in their everyday business practices.
B.C. has grown into a global leader in the ESG space. Leadership and policy reflect progressive environmental, social and governance goals. The province is a stable, transparent democracy with rules of law and strong institutions.
Environmental
B.C. is the cleanest jurisdiction in western North America with an average of 98% of our electricity generation coming from clean or renewable resources.
Sustainable resources (e.g., clean power, recycled materials, mass timber, biofuel and renewable natural gas/biomethane) are integrated into supply chains, making B.C. a competitive jurisdiction to conduct green business practices and meet global sustainability targets for businesses.
Through the CleanBC plan, B.C. is working towards measurable emission reductions from 2007 levels of 40 per cent by 2030 and net zero by 2050. As part of the CleanBC plan, B.C. also strengthened the government’s reporting requirements to the public through a new climate accountability law.
Social
The Government of B.C. is committed to tackling systemic discrimination in all its forms, working towards eliminating inequality and discrimination.
B.C. is committed to true, lasting, and meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, including through economic development. B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act is the first provincial law in Canada and one of the first worldwide that protects the human rights of Indigenous peoples.
Engaging Indigenous peoples respectfully, knowledgeably and collaboratively supports good conditions for de-risking investment while advancing meaningful societal outcomes. Working collaboratively with Indigenous Peoples in B.C. as respected partners, creates certainty and clarity for projects, leading to increased confidence for investors and businesses operating in B.C.
British Columbia values the contributions everyone makes to build a vibrant economy by promoting new skills, ways of thinking and embracing new people. B.C.’s immigration plays an important role in the social and economic fabric. People from around the world move to B.C. to pursue new lives in a welcoming and beautiful province. B.C. provides wide-spread support for immigration and holds a commitment to investments in settlement services and supports. This allows the province to attract talent, grow the population and realize the socioeconomic benefits of immigration that contributes to a prosperous economy.
Governance
Canada and B.C. offer a stable political, government and regulatory environment based upon the rule of law. Strong collaboration across all orders of government creates a dynamic business environment that encourages and safeguards foreign investment. Good governance includes transparency and disclosure of ESG performance.
Through strong and transparent regulations, B.C. provides a legislative and regulatory atmosphere that supports environmental sustainability, meaningful societal outcomes and strong governance for businesses that operate within the province.
ESG Centre of Excellence
The Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Centre of Excellence helps facilitate ESG investment in B.C. and attract socially and environmentally conscious investors. Learn more about the Centre and how it supports ESG-aligned opportunities.
Learn more about B.C.
Discover the sector or regional advantages to support your business. Learn more about community engagement and consulting with Indigenous people and First Nations communities in British Columbia.