Even as economic, geopolitical and regulatory pressures reshape the business landscape, sustainability remains an important consideration for Canadian organizations. WSP's first edition of its Study on the Sustainability Practices of Canadian Companies reveals how organizations across Canada are redefining sustainability as a strategic lever for resilience, risk management and long-term value creation.

Drawing on insights from senior sustainability leaders across more than 75 organizations, the study uncovers where Canadian companies are outperforming sustainability expectations, where critical gaps remain, and what's coming next.

A Changing Landscape 

Over the past 18 months, economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, evolving regulations and growing scrutiny of sustainability initiatives have created a challenging environment for organizations. Nonetheless, the study suggests that rather than retreating from sustainability, many Canadian organizations are becoming more pragmatic, focusing on the areas where sustainability delivers tangible value through risk management, resilience and long-term performance.

These findings reveal a significant shift in how organizations manage sustainability. Senior leadership is involved in the sustainability strategy of 95 percent of responding organizations, while ESG risks are increasingly incorporated into broader risk management processes. At the same time, organizations across the country are strengthening their approaches to disclosure, governance and climate action, creating a more structured foundation for future progress.

About the study 

WSP examined sustainability practices across eleven key areas, including strategy, governance, regulation, risk management, disclosure, sustainable finance, climate and emerging topics such as nature and water. The results highlight both encouraging signs of progress and areas where significant gaps still remain.

The study also points to the next frontier of sustainability. While climate remains the primary entry point for corporate sustainability efforts, attention is increasingly turning toward biodiversity, water and broader societal considerations. As sustainability becomes more connected to business decisions, the report suggests organizations will need to move beyond compliance and reporting and focus on translating commitments into measurable action and business value.