UN Global Compact Network Canada Celebrates Sustainability Progress during AGM

The UN Global Compact Network Canada convened its 2026 Annual General Meeting on June 11, bringing together Participants across the Canadian Network to reflect on a year of significant progress in advancing responsible business practices. The virtual gathering featured a keynote presentation on navigating credible sustainability in uncertain times, a dynamic panel discussion on reporting with purpose, and the announcement of three new members joining the Board of Directors.

Annual General Meeting Highlights

This year’s AGM opened with a presentation from UN Global Compact Network Canada's Executive Director, Elizabeth Dove, reflecting on a year of meaningful progress against a complex backdrop of rising expectations around credible sustainability. In 2025, Network Canada welcomed 41 new Participants, delivered 25 programmes and events engaging 500+ professionals, and brought together 30+ Participating companies who contributed to working groups, focus groups, and learning circles. These achievements underscore a broader trend: despite economic and geopolitical pressures, 99% of CEOs globally intend to maintain their sustainability commitments and 88% of CEOs say the business case is stronger today than five years ago. The case for responsible business is not only enduring but growing stronger, and UN Global Compact Network Canada is proud to support organizations navigating this evolving landscape.

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Reporting with Purpose

The virtual gathering also featured a panel discussion on sustainability reporting and disclosures, drawing on the experiences of UN Global Compact Network Canada Participants Marysol Escamilla (Geotab), Andrey Leung (Seaspan), and Kim Rapagna (TELUS). The conversation explored what it looks like to move beyond compliance: how organizations are ensuring disclosures reflect genuine material priorities, inform internal decision making, and stand up to increasing regulatory and stakeholder scrutiny. The discussion also reflected on the value of peer learning through programmes like Network Canada’s [Annual Sustainability Reporting Peer Review Group]. The panel discussion also looked ahead to the trends that will define the next several years such as mandatory reporting, double materiality, and greater integration with financial disclosures.

As sustainability standards continue to evolve, UN Global Compact Network Canada remains steadfast in its mission to partner with Canadian businesses at every stage of their journey.

Explore the full scope of Network Canada's 2025 achievements in the newly released Annual Report.

Download our Annual Report

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Introducing UN Global Compact Network Canada's incoming Board members:

• Brandis Bruyere, Director, Sustainability Performance, West Fraser Timber
• Brett Caraway, Director, Master of Science in Sustainability Management Program, University of Toronto
• Shereen Samuels, Senior Director, Equity, Respect and Belonging, Gowling WLG

UN Global Compact Network Canada also extends its sincere thanks to outgoing Board members Dr. Rumina Dhalla, Geoff Pegg, and Catherine Thibault for their leadership and dedication. Their contributions have helped shape the direction and impact of the organization, and their influence will continue to be felt in the work ahead. The complete list of the Network Canada Board of Directors can be found here.

Stay connected for upcoming programmes, events, and opportunities to engage with the Network. Register for the upcoming webinars & programmes;

• Greenwashing in Canada: What Businesses Need to Know Now | Webinar - June 23 (open to all)
• Annual Sustainability Report Peer Review Group (ASPiRe) | Apply by June 30 (Participants only)
• Carbon Pricing, Competitiveness, and Business Resilience in Canada | Webinar - July 28 (open to all)

View All Upcoming Events

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