In today’s global economy, there is increased responsibility to consider social and environmental factors when companies conduct business. EDC is committed to ensuring it follows strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices, guided by a comprehensive framework.

Reviewing and implementing updates to the policies that govern EDC’s approach is essential to ensuring they remain relevant, streamlined and aligned with its corporate strategy, the changing nature of its business, and the way in which business and international trade finance are being conducted globally.  

“These policies are central to who we are as an organization,” said Robert Fosco, Vice President, Environment and Corporate Responsibility at EDC. “Ensuring they remain as effective as possible is integral to our long-term strategy, and at the heart of our vision to help Canadian exporters thrive as leaders in sustainable and responsible business.”

While CSR at EDC has a broad scope, a fundamental element of its framework is a commitment to doing business in a socially and environmentally responsible way.

EDC is now inviting stakeholders from across the Canadian trade and business ecosystems to offer input and constructive feedback on the following key policies under its environmental and social risk management framework: 

1. Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM) Policy

2. Climate Change policy

3. Environmental and Social Review Directive (ERD)

4. Human Rights Statement

5. Disclosure Policy

A discussion paper has been published, and a dedicated webpage on ESRM policy review has been created to further explain the review process.

Submissions are welcome during a 90-day comment period from May 14 – Aug 17, 2018. To foster transparency, submissions received from stakeholders will be posted to the EDC website. EDC will issue a Public Response Paper when the revised policies are released that summarizes the main areas of feedback with a high-level description of how EDC incorporated that feedback in the policy review outcomes (or, if not, why not). 

About EDC

Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian businesses make an impact at home and abroad. EDC has the financial products and knowledge Canadian companies need to confidently enter new markets, reduce financial risk and grow their business as they go from local to global. Together, EDC and Canadian companies are building a more prosperous, stronger and sustainable economy for all Canadians.

For more information and to learn how we can help your company, call us at 1-800-229-0575 or visit www.edc.ca.