Building B.C.’s ESG Advantage

More than ever, businesses across Greater Vancouver and beyond are working hard to integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into their operations and are paying closer attention to their environmental impacts, improving their social responsibility, and enhancing their corporate governance. In addition to the myriad of benefits to their communities, they are building long-term value for their businesses through the acquisition of new markets and opportunities, enhanced reputation, and improved ability to attract and retain talent. While the benefits of incorporating ESG practices are clear, knowing where to begin isn’t always clear or without its challenges.

Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is pleased to present this unique opportunity for the business community to learn from other businesses on how they are integrating ESG principles into their operations and how government is supporting the transition to a more sustainable economy.

Event highlights:

Keynote Presentation from the B.C. government on the province’s commitment to sustainability and resources, and support for businesses.
Panel Discussion featuring ESG practitioners who will discuss strategies for integrating an ESG plan into day-to-day operations and the importance of training and upskilling the workforce of today and tomorrow.
Case Studyhighlighting a past graduate from GVBOT and BCIT’s ESG Microcredential and their successes and challenges in implementing ESG plans into their day-to-day.

KEYNOTE:

The Honourable George Heyman
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
Province of British Columbia

MODERATOR:

Mark Podlasly
Chief Sustainability Officer
First Nations Major Project Coalition

PANEL DISCUSSION:

Businesses are facing mounting pressure to address climate change and implement more sustainable business practices, both from customers and prospective employees. At the same time, businesses face rising costs and economic uncertainty, and support is needed. Addressing the climate crisis through sustainable business practices will require the collaboration of industry, government, and the post-secondary sector.

This panel will discuss the importance of ESG practices for businesses, explore strategies for integrating these practices into day-to-day operations, and how the post-secondary sector is preparing a workforce that understands and integrates ESG values right from the start.

Jason Atakhanov Harold Calla Geoffrey Pegg Kim Swanzey Sharon Singh

Jason Atakhanov, Founder and Principal, Setsail Interactive
Harold Calla, Executive Chair, First Nations Financial Management Board
Geoff Pegg, Head of Sustainability & Environment, TELUS
Kim Swanzey, Partner, Sustainability & ESG, KPMG
Moderator: Sharon Singh, Regulatory, ESG, and Commercial Partner I Co-Head of Aboriginal Law, Bennett Jones LLP

CASE STUDY DISCUSSION:

Michele Matthews Tessa Jordan

Michele Matthews, Chief Operating Officer, AG Hair
Moderator: Tessa Jordan, Program Head, Sustainable Business Leadership Programs, BCIT

Friday, May 26, 2023

8:00 AM

Location:UBC Robson Square Theatre (C300) - Classroom Level 800 Robson St, Vancouver, BC

Schedule:Registration & Breakfast: 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. PT
Program: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. PT

Submit Your Questions

We want you to be part of the discussion. To participate, go to slido.com and use the password #BCESG

Sponsor Resources

Big shifts, small steps
KPMG’s 2022 Survey of Sustainability Reporting, the Canadian addendum, reflect on the current state of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting and overarching business strategies that can enable companies to meet increasing disclosure expectations.

KPMG’s ESG team are a dedicated, multi-disciplinary group of professionals offering a curated range of skills and experience which include ESG strategy, sustainable finance, climate change and decarbonization, social and economic impact measurement, reporting and assurance.

Member companies of the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) are key generators in the economic engine of Canada and a mainstay of our British Columbian coastal communities. Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the BCMEA’s membership handles more than $500 million worth of cargo daily and support over 96,000 jobs across B.C. Through training and safety, labour relations and data analytics, the BCMEA services member employers to ensure the safe and efficient movement of cargo and passengers with the rest of the world. Watch the video to find out more about how the BCMEA’s members deliver for Canadians every day.