“More than ever, the economic and finance worlds need new guideposts. Corporate responsibility is no longer limited to the economic sphere: it must become more ethical, more social and more sustainable. Legislation must play a role. This is where the ambitious 21st Century Business Act intervenes. With this bill, businesses are likely to contribute positively to a better future. Let us make no mistake: passing this legislation is not only a legal or economic issue, it is civilizational.”

Ivan Tchotourian,
Professor of business law and governance, Laval University

“By aligning capital with purpose, the 21st Century Business Act will formally embed purpose into corporate decision-making and fiduciary responsibility. Importantly, this will benefit growth and the long-term survival of Canadian businesses. The 21BA reinforces that profit and purpose can, and must, co-exist and is essential for the thriving future of humanity.”

Hari Balasubramanian,
Founding Managing Partner, EcoAdvisors

“We at Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. support the 21st century Business Act (21BA). At Riverside, our purpose is “To Inspire a Healthier and More Compassionate World, Where Access to Good Food Becomes a Reality for All”. Therefore, we believe in expanding the fiduciary duties of business leaders beyond profit-seeking objectives to include both social and environmental impacts.”

Nima, Sahba & Salma Fotovat
Riverside Natural Foods

“Canada has the opportunity to lead by example in prioritizing ethical business practices and sustainability with the introduction of the 21st Century Business Act. It’s time for companies to embrace their role as stewards of society and the environment, fostering a brighter, more accountable future for all. In Fairtrade, we see how companies can thrive when they find the right equilibrium between people, planet and profit.”

Julie Francoeur
CEO, Fairtrade Canada

“I believe the business world not only has the power, but the duty to use entrepreneurship as a vehicle for social and environmental change. We cannot continue with business as usual, we must change the paradigm and make the old model obsolete.”

Marie-Josée Richer
Co-Founder, Prana

“We are thrilled by the introduction of the 21st Century Business Act and believe it is an important step in realigning the private sector toward creating a positive impact for workers, communities, employees, and the environment. Business as usual isn’t working. The 21BA will help transform the Canadian economy so that it works for all people and the planet.”

Holly Ensign-Barstow
Senior Director of Programs and Policy, B Lab U.S. & Canada

“The time has come for concrete action. The well-being of our communities, our planet and future generations can no longer depend solely on the goodwill of companies. We must legislate to ensure that all stakeholders are at the heart of business decisions in the country.”

Alex Brisson
CEO, Norda Stelo

“Purpose drives governance; governance drives everything. The 21BA will require Canadian corporations to be repurposed to protect and improve stakeholder wellbeing, including society and the environment as stakeholders. That is, the 21BA will position Canadian corporations to capture their sustainability advantage for the benefit of all. This is huge!”

Bob Willard
Founder, Sustainability Advantage

“It’s time to adopt bold legislation to face up to social and environmental challenges. Our actions today will determine whether we are seen as the generation that chose complacency or the one that chose courage and innovation. We must act now to preserve a resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.”

Louis Roy
CEO, Optel Group

“Businesses cannot succeed in a society that fails. The 21st Century Business Act recognizes their role in preventing such a failure. By requiring a high standard for corporate governance, it ensures that Canadian corporations are held responsible not only for profitability, but also on their impact on society and the environment. GRI applauds this effort and stands ready to support the Canadian regulators in developing a pragmatic reporting regime.”

Peter Paul van de Wijs
Chief Policy Officer, GRI

“It’s time for change and the proposed changes in the 21st Century Better Business Act are not only welcome and overdue, but completely necessary. This Act will positively impact our economy, society, and environment and will drive business to adopt a purpose beyond one of pure profit. Let’s stand together for a better world for all.”

Bernie and Christie Geiss
Cove Continuity Advisors