Consultative engagement objectives
The purpose of the consultative engagement was to identify and prioritise the needs of data users, with the aim of determining the scope of an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programme at Statistics Canada. The main objectives were to:
- Identify and prioritise indicator gaps;
- Identify and prioritise industries for their inclusion in the Experimental environmental, social and governance dashboard; and
- Identify additional ESG products of interest to stakeholders e.g. benchmarking tool, microdata file, Canadian ESG framework etc.
Consultative engagement methodology
Statistics Canada conducted virtual group discussions in both official languages with participants from across the country. A sample of participants were selected either because of their high interest in ESG, or because the topic was relevant to them or their industries. Participants were asked to respond to a series of questions and provide feedback on the Experimental environmental, social and governance dashboard.
Results
Overall, the Experimental ESG dashboard was well-received by participants.
Participants suggested the following with respect to prioritising indicator gaps:
- Using government priorities is a good starting point. However, it will lead to exclusions.
- Let purpose drive the design: what value are you trying to extract? Who is going to use the data, and for what purpose?
Participants expressed the following with respect to ESG standards:
- Harmonised concepts and guidelines would be beneficial.
- Current ESG standards do not accurately reflect the Canadian context.
- Align with international standards/frameworks and then add/adapt the metrics to the Canadian context for consistency and comparability.
Participants also noted the increased demand for more granular and disaggregated data.
Next steps
In response to feedback from participants, Statistics Canada will:
- Rely less on government priorities and more on emerging international frameworks and the feasibility of producing data when filling indicator gaps.
- Proceed with developing harmonised concepts for ESG, where possible.
- Be responsive to the Canadian context when considering new information for the dashboard.
- Statistics Canada will also be hosting discussion tables in the fall to learn more about Indigenous ESG needs.
Statistics Canada thanks participants for their involvement in this consultative engagement initiative. Their insights will help guide future development of the programme to better meet users' needs. If you have any comments or would like to participate in future engagement activities, please contact statcan.iofd-esgsection-dofi-sectionesg.statcan@statcan.gc.ca.