From coast to coast, Canadian companies are taking action in response to the health and social impacts of COVID-19 by pivoting their operations and supplying life-saving equipment, donating to charities whose resources are stretched, and providing free products to vulnerable communities and front-line workers, to name just a few examples.
To foster greater collaboration and encourage more businesses to join the response, Canadian Business for Social Responsibility (CBSR) and Upswing Solutions compiled the Canadian Business Responders List, which features a growing list, currently at 200 large and small companies. The list divides Canada’s business responses into four categories: Protectors, Pivoters, Philanthropists, and Pioneers.
“Seeing so many different and ambitious initiatives led by Canadian companies gives me such hope,” remarked Leor Rotchild, Executive Director of CBSR. “It can be challenging to find positive news these days so we wanted to celebrate these responsible companies and innovators and inspire more businesses to follow suit.”
One of the companies featured on the Canadian Business Responders List is Maple Leaf Foods, which is providing $2M to support Food Banks Canada and Community Food Centres Canada. Lynda Kuhn, Senior Vice-President for Maple Leaf Foods and Chair of the Maple Leaf Centre for Action on Food Security said; “Having a clear purpose and strong community partnerships enables companies to respond quickly and strategically in crises such as COVID-19.”
As Canada moves towards economic recovery, the national database can also serve as a useful tool for investors. Jamie Bonham, Director of Corporate Engagement at NEI Investments noted “The Canadian Business Responders List is a valuable resource for responsible investors looking to assess how companies are looking after the interests of their key stakeholders during the COVID-19 crisis.”
The Canadian Business Responders List, which currently includes 200 records and growing, is available at https://www.cbsr.ca/canadian-business-responders-list
If you know of a company’s actions not currently on the list, you can submit the recommendation to CBSR by filling out the online form at the same link above.
About Canadian Business for Social Responsibility
For the past 25 years, CBSR has been Canada’s leading voice on responsible business. The national association works with sustainability and corporate social responsibility leaders to champion business as a force for good and elevate a distinctly Canadian way of doing business. In February 2020, CBSR launched a national partnership with the Delphi Group and GLOBE Series, one of Canada’s top sustainability consulting firms and North America’s most influential sustainability conference organization.
For more information, please contact:
Leor Rotchild, Executive Director, CBSR
Toronto: 416-703-7435 x 225
Calgary: 403-389-5367
leor@cbsr.ca
cbsr.ca
