Evaluation Summary - Final Report:Horizontal Evaluation of Canada’s Enhanced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy
About the Strategy
Through the 2014 CSR Strategy: Doing Business the Canadian Way: A Strategy to Advance Corporate Social Responsibility in Canada’s Extractive Sector, the Government of Canada set out its expectation that Canadian extractive sector companies will reflect Canadian values in their operations abroad. The Strategy was developed around four pillars providing guidance and support for Canadian companies to strengthen their CSR practices and maximize the benefits to host countries. The four pillars include:
- Promoting and advancing CSR guidance;
- Fostering networks and partnerships;
- Facilitating dialogue towards dispute resolution; and
- Strengthening the environment affecting responsible business practices.
Key Findings
- The Government of Canada’s CSR-related efforts have contributed to Canada’s reputation as a convenor of multi-stakeholder dialogue. These efforts have also contributed globally to a strengthened environment for responsible business practices.
- While there remains an ongoing need for a strategy, the current CSR Strategy is outdated and does not reflect the evolving responsible business landscape.
- The CSR Strategy was developed without clearly articulated objectives and a corresponding implementation plan, impacting its overall effectiveness.
Recommendations
Revise the Strategy based on consultations to include such elements as:
- A mission, vision, and overall objectives.
- Clearly identified target audiences.
- Updated tools and resources.
Develop a plan to guide the implementation of the Strategy, which could include:
- A formalized governance structure.
- A performance measurement framework.
- A communication plan.
