GoodCompany 
A Quarterly CSR Newsletter August 2007

President's Message

I would like to congratulate our member companies on their continued efforts to mainstream Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into their operations. The various awards, recognitions and challenges that you will read about in this newsletter represent only a sample of our members' work and wider CSR efforts in Canada.   

Even as we continue to explore new horizons here at home, we have to recognize that we are generally lagging behind Europe, the UK and the US in terms of broad leadership, innovation and uptake on social responsibility.  

Simultaneously, the Canadian public is raising the bar on their expectations for increased responsible business practices. A whole slew of recent survey results illustrate that the Canadian public is becoming more and more aware of the contribution businesses can make to sustainable development. This points to the need for greater leadership within Canada's own corporate ranks.  

This by no means negates the progress made to date in Canada. Businesses recognize the need to work with external stakeholders and start to move from limited 'philanthropy' and associated 'random acts of kindness' to a dual focus on operational and citizenship responsibilities. This emerging shift suggests a growing focus on the integration of governance and sustainability.   

CBSR's activities of late have been largely focused on four key areas including: partner and membership growth (CBSR's membership has grown by 20% in six months), refinement of the advisory services offering (with particular focus on strategic stakeholder engagement), preparation of a challenging agenda for our November 7th Annual Summit and the development of a Climate Guide for corporate Canada (to be launched at our upcoming Summit).    

Internationally CBSR has continued to expand our reach recognizing the great value of collaborative action on CSR. CBSR remains actively involved with Forum Empresa, UNGC, GRI and several organizations within The Prince of Wales' Charities. Most recently, CBSR has participated in projects and conferences in Argentina, Honduras, Peru, USA and Switzerland.   

CBSR's Toronto-based Annual Summit on CSR, 'Driving Strategy, Engagement and Impact', takes place on Wednesday, November 7th and addresses key questions such as: How can Canadian companies adapt to the new dynamics of climate change? What are the key opportunities for real risk mitigation and commercial growth? CBSR is also hosting a half-day workshop following the Summit that will focus on assessing CSR reporting and communication. I encourage you to learn more about, or register for the Summit, by clicking here. I look forward to seeing you there!

Adine Mees
President & CEO  

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