Network Canada Appoints New Board of Directors, Marking Bold Progress Toward a Sustainable Future

Toronto, Canada – 12 June 2025 – The UN Global Compact Network Canada is proud to announce the appointment of its 2025-2026 Board of Directors. As we navigate a time of global uncertainty, this diverse and experienced group will provide strategic guidance and collaborative leadership to accelerate private sector action on sustainability and responsible business in Canada.

Introducing UN Global Compact Network Canada’s 2025-2026 Board of Directors:

• Desirée Bombenon, Founder & CEO, Dezco Group of Companies
• André-Martin Bouchard, Global Director, Earth and Environment and Executive Sponsor Sustainability, WSP
• Canon Bryan, Vice-President, Special Projects, Terrestrial Energy
• Drew Collier, President and CEO, LGM Financial Services Inc.
• Dr. Rumina Dhalla, Board Chair and Associate Professor, Director, University of Guelph
• Holly McHugh, Vice-President of Sustainability & Social Impact, Mejuri
• Geoff Pegg, Corporate Sustainability Leader, NGO Board Member, Consultant
• Lisa Prime, Director Sustainability, Diamond Schmitt Architects

We also extend our sincere thanks to Patrycja Drainville, Director Sustainable Finance  at Scotiabank, who concluded her term on the Board. Her insights and leadership have been deeply valued, and her contributions will continue to shape our journey ahead.

During the Annual General Meeting of the organization where the election was held, Elizabeth Dove, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Canada, shared:
"In uncertain times, Canadians need the certainty of Canadian companies on responsible business practices, more than ever.Our 2025-2026 Board brings the clarity, courage, and commitment needed to uphold the Ten Principles and lead progress on climate, inclusion, and responsible governance. Together, we are building a network of companies that not only adapt to change—but shape it."

Annual General Meeting Highlights

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) showcased the momentum of Canadian companies driving impact through the UN Global Compact. Executive Director Elizabeth Dove presented insights from conversations with more than 80 business leaders across Canada, emphasizing the importance of upholding values in the face of regulatory shifts, mis- and disinformation, and global volatility.

The event featured a panel of Participants from CAE, CPKC, MCIS, and WSP who shared tangible impacts of participating in UN Global Compact Accelerator programmes, including progress on human rights due diligence, inclusive hiring practices, and supply chain sustainability.

Key achievements from 2024 included:

• A 10% growth in Network Canada Participants since January 2025
• Over 30 companies contributing to Made-in-Canada resources such as the Portraits of Inclusive Leadership and TNFD Essentials Guide, the latter shortlisted for a global Sustainability Delivery Award and translated into 7 languages
• 67% of Canadian companies reporting progress on sustainable and responsible business practices through the UN Global Compact’s annual reporting framework
• New national workshops and webinars on equity, reconciliation, nature disclosures, and sustainability reporting

The AGM also celebrated collaboration between the UN Global Compact Network Canada and  Federal Government departments Natural Resources Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and WAGE on projects advancing inclusive and sustainable business in Canada.

The full scope of achievements can be explored in the newly released Annual Report 2024.

Media Contact:

Melvina Ramasamy

Manager, Marketing and Communication

Email: network@unglobalcompact.ca

About UN Global Compact Network Canada 

The UN Global Compact Network Canada is part of the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, dedicated to advancing the Ten Principles in human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption along with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Canadian Network brings together over 200 companies, both large and small, from various sectors, all committed to integrating sustainable and ethical practices into their core strategies. This collective effort not only exemplifies leadership but also offers a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Throughout the year, the network provides numerous opportunities for engagement designed to support companies in taking decisive action and accelerating the shift toward a sustainable future.

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