Canada Climate Week Xchange Part 4: Sustainability Disclosure and Regulation

The Canada Climate Week Xchange (CCWX) that recently took place brought together innovators, researchers, and leaders to support collaborative solutions and opportunities on the road to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030.

This conference chatter series spotlights a session from each day’s events. Part 3 of the series can be found here.

The November 27, 2025, session titled, “Sustainability Disclosure and Regulation: A CPA’s Guide to What’s Next” was presented by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada. It examined the Canadian regulatory and legal landscape for sustainability reporting, including the progress and priorities of the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB) and the Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).

Setting Priorities in Reporting Standards and Indigenous Knowledge

CSSB Principal John Cameron highlighted the work the CSSB has done since issuing its Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standards (CSDS) in December 2024 and provided an overview of the CSSB’s strategic plan.

In his remarks, Cameron noted three priorities for 2026, including a focus on supporting the implementation and market adoption of CSDS 1 (General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-Related Financial Information) and CSDS 2 (Climate-Related Disclosures) through engagement with Canadian companies, including Indigenous communities in the standard-setting process, and contributing a Canadian voice to the work of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).

In particular, Cameron highlighted the importance of incorporating Indigenous views and rights into sustainability issues. “It’s crucial, given our history here in Canada, the impact of sustainability issues on Indigenous peoples, and the constitutionally recognized rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada,” he said.