2025-2026 Annual Report

Planting the seeds

In 2019, amid growing concern about the financial risks of climate change, a pair of Canadian law professors launched an effort to help corporate directors and pension trustees better understand the issue. The academics — Dr. Janis Sarra from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Professor Cynthia Williams from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University — founded what is now known as the Canada Climate Law Initiative (CCLI).

Steady growth

In the years that followed, CCLI entered a period of steady growth, expanding its research, outreach, and national presence as climate governance became an increasingly urgent priority for Canadian organizations. What began as a small academic effort quickly evolved into a trusted voice on director duties, fiduciary responsibility, and the legal implications of a warming world. New partnerships, a growing network of experts, and a widening portfolio of research has helped CCLI deepen its roots and extend its influence across sectors and audiences. 

“Our growth has been organic, driven by the needs of the moment and the commitment of people who believe in strengthening climate governance in Canada.”

Dr. Carol Liao, Chair, Canada Climate Law Initiative

Under her leadership, CCLI has continued to branch outward—supporting directors, informing policymakers, and helping professionals and organizations navigate the shifting shades of climate risk with clarity and purpose.

Branching out

“As the landscape continues to shift, our work adapts with it. We are expanding into new areas where legal and governance clarity, evidence, and leadership are urgently needed.”

Sonia li Trottier, Director, Canada Climate Law Initiative

Over the past year, the Canada Climate Law Initiative has continued branching out into new areas of impact, expanding its research, deepening its policy engagement, and strengthening its role in Canada. 

“Our submissions consistently highlighted the need for coherence: climate policy, sustainable finance, and corporate governance must move in the same direction if we expect organizations to manage climate related risks effectively and provide shareholders with the knowledge they need to confidently invest in Canadian businesses.”

Dr. Helen Tooze, Senior Policy Researcher, Canada Climate Law Initiative

This year:

Cultivating climate-ready leaders

Now in its third year, the Micro‑Certificate in Climate Risk & ESG for Corporate Governance and Decision‑Making continues to convene senior leaders to exchange practical insights and deepen cross‑sector understanding. This year’s cohort brought together professionals from major Canadian retailers, leading law firms, and prominent financial institutions. 

“Teaching in the Micro Certificate program has shown me just how quickly the field of climate governance is evolving. Each cohort arrives ready to grapple with new complexities and emerging responsibilities.  Seeing participants connect the dots — between fiduciary duty, climate science, financial risk, and long term strategy over the course is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.”

Alison Schneider, Instructor

In partnership with the Conseil du Patronat du Québec, we translated and tailored our professional development program for Québec, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. We hosted two groups bringing together 25 senior business leaders, supported by QNP.

“Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of Québec’s economy. As climate governance plays a crucial role in accelerating business transformation, we, at QNP, are delighted to collaborate with CCLI and the CPQ to equip leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to better understand climate-related risks and opportunities, and translate that understanding into informed action.”

Anne-Josée Laquerre, Instructor

Turning over a new leaf

After seven years of purposeful operation, we are proud to introduce a refreshed brand identity that aligns with the future of our work. Climate action is not a static destination; it is a continuous, evolving process where change is the only constant. Our new brand reflects this dynamic reality. 

CCLI’s new identity is built around a versatile, interchangeable colour palette. Inspired by the natural transition of Canadian seasons and changing leaves, these shifting tones represent our ability to adapt, innovate, and meet new challenges. At its core is a visual metaphor for growth: the stylized leaf in our logo where the smallest square doubles in size, then doubles again. This geometric progression represents the compounding, scalable impact.