Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Advantages

In British Columbia (B.C.), like-minded individuals, businesses, communities and Indigenous Peoples are partnering to create an economic and investment climate that is environmentally, ethically and economically conscious. Leadership and policy reflect progressive environmental, social, and governance goals.

We are a stable, transparent democracy with the rule of law and strong institutions. Legislation aligns us with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and gender-based analysis applies to the provincial government’s policy work.

Naturally, we have grown into a global leader in the ESG space.

Environmental
B.C. is the cleanest jurisdiction in western North America with an average of 98% of our electricity generation coming from clean or renewable resources.

Sustainable resources (e.g., clean power, recycled materials, mass timber, clean LNG) are integrated into supply chains making B.C. a competitive jurisdiction to conduct green business practices and meet global sustainability targets for businesses.

Through the CleanBC plan, B.C. is working towards measurable emission reductions from 2007 levels of 40 per cent by 2030 and net zero by 2050. As part of the CleanBC plan, B.C. also strengthened the government’s reporting requirements to the public through a new climate accountability law.

Social
The Government of B.C. is committed to tackling systemic discrimination in all its forms, working towards eliminating inequality and discrimination.

B.C. is committed to true, lasting, and meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, including through economic development. B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act is the first provincial law in Canada and one of the first worldwide, that protects the human rights of Indigenous peoples.

Engaging Indigenous peoples respectfully, knowledgeably, and collaboratively supports good conditions for de-risking investment while advancing meaningful societal outcomes. Working collaboratively with Indigenous peoples in B.C. as respected partners, creates certainty and clarity for projects, leading to increased confidence for investors and businesses operating in B.C.

With a flexible immigration system, B.C. fosters a multicultural society. Our rich multicultural mix creates a lively cultural experience in arts, entertainment, tourism, hospitality, cuisine, and commercial activity. We value the contributions everyone makes to our vibrant economy by promoting new skills and ways of thinking and embracing new people.

Governance
Canada and B.C. offer a stable government and regulatory environment based upon the rule of law. Our strong collaboration across all orders of government create a stable and dynamic business environment that encourages and safeguards foreign investment. Additionally, our legal system provides predictability and certainty to the investor and business community.

Good governance includes transparency and disclosure of ESG performance. Through strong and transparent regulations, B.C. is a global leader by calling on companies across all industries to improve ESG and climate risk disclosures. Provincially legislated ESG related targets and new policies and programs across all sectors of the economy are underway, many of which are among the strongest in North America.

ESG Centre of Excellence
The Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Centre of Excellence helps facilitate ESG investment in B.C. and attract socially and environmentally conscious investors. Learn more about the Centre and how it supports ESG-aligned opportunities.

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