Who We Are
We are the Canada Climate Law Initiative. Our mission is to enable Canadian directors, executives, policymakers, and regulators to confidently and swiftly lead Canada through a net-zero emissions transition with effective climate governance.
About Us
The Canada Climate Law Initiative (CCLI) provides businesses and regulators with climate governance guidance so they can make informed decisions towards a net-zero economy. Powered by the nation’s top expertise, we engage with boards of directors and trustees to ensure businesses understand their legal duties with respect to climate change. Our legal research allows us to stay one step ahead in a rapidly transforming policy landscape.
CCLI is supported financially by family foundations, and is led by its Principal Co-Investigators who include professors at the University of British Columbia Peter A. Allard School of Law and Osgoode Hall Law School, York University.
Our Story
The transition to a net-zero economy requires that businesses realign their business strategies to prepare for risks or take advantage of opportunities associated with climate change. Taking meaningful action also requires that a business sets measurable goals and targets related to carbon emissions and other environmental indicators. These types of changes to a business’ strategy and direction require the Board of Directors (or trustees) to provide oversight, engagement and leadership and to understand their evolving fiduciary obligations as they relate to climate change.
CCLI was founded with a profound desire to accelerate Canada’s transition to a net-zero economy. Since our inception in 2017, we have:
- Conducted rigorous legal analysis and delivered legal opinions that clarify the scope of fiduciary duty as it relates to climate change in Canada.
- Developed and distributed credible and timely board education resources and training materials drawing on our legal analysis and the professional insights of a growing network of Canadian Climate Governance Experts.
- Delivered pro bono, in camera presentations for Canadian boards, as well as public webinars that advance the understanding of climate-related financial risks and opportunities.
- Engaged with policymakers to offer our expertise to regulators and other institutions in order to create necessary structural changes.
We aim to elevate the voices of Canadian experts that also believe effective climate governance is key to achieving Canada’s objective of a net-zero carbon emissions economy by 2050.