Program Directors

Murray Gold

Counsel, Koskie Minsky LLP, and Fellow, Ontario Teachers’ Federation

Jennifer King

Gowling WLG LLP

Eligible for

Managing environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability risk, once optional, is now a critical business priority.

Global financial markets, scientific data, public policy and opinion continue to drive legal, business and cultural changes and expectations involving ESG, sustainability and climate risk management and disclosure. At the same time, mismanagement or improper disclosure is fuelling a growing body of legal claims, shareholder activism, investor and other class-actions, and public “naming and shaming.”

There is no ‘one size fits all.’ In light of a host of new and emerging technical standards and legal requirements, it is imperative that Canadian businesses know how to effectively interpret, navigate and advise on their applicable legal and operational risks and issues in the context of their industry sector.

Designed by governance, climate-risk, legal and policy experts for board directors, legal and business professionals whose work involves governance, financial services, commercial transactions or infrastructure projects, this leading OsgoodePD Certificate is the only program of its kind for Canadian organizations and professionals to upskill in these important areas.

Focusing on interactive discussions and case studies, you will learn how to effectively evaluate, navigate and disclose common ESG, sustainability and climate-related risks and opportunities, develop an adaptive ESG/sustainability framework within the corporate culture and decision-making process, and set suitable risk management and operational goals.

Completing this program will upgrade your ability to create and implement forward-looking ESG/sustainability and climate risk management strategies and techniques, to avoid or mitigate potential liability exposures and it will also provide you with valuable resources for use long after the program concludes.

Registration includes 120-day unlimited, online access to the recorded program.

What You’ll Learn

Principal elements and expectations involving evaluating ESG/sustainability criteria including critical developments and policies and initiatives which are influencing associated risks and obligations

Strategies for managing and disclosing applicable ESG, sustainability and climate risk, including what other organizations are doing

How ESG, sustainability and climate factors intersect with Canadian laws, policies and rights, including intersections with Indigenous communities, values and the duty to consult

How to critique and construct methods for setting clear ESG, sustainability and climate risk management and operational goals

Best practices for embedding an ESG, sustainability and climate risk management framework into the corporate decision-making process

Approaches for evaluating common risk management tools and climate technologies to assess, manage or mitigate ESG, sustainability and climate-related challenges within different industry sectors

Tactics for managing common liability exposures and ‘blind spots’ in light of the growing body of associated litigation, nationally and globally

Challenges and legal risks for boards and organizations when evaluating and modelling the financial impacts and the scope of risk related to ESG, sustainability and climate factors

Techniques for navigating shifting governance and diligence obligations and challenges, including oversight and disclosure requirements, and expectations for engagement with investors, Indigenous Rights Holders and other key stakeholders

Online Primers – Foundations in ESG, Sustainability, Climate Risk and the Law (available November 8, 2024)

Certificate includes these on demand primer classes, covering core concepts to set the stage for the program modules (primer content will not be covered in class). It is strongly recommended that you view all six (6) primers before attending the program. To obtain your Certificate, all six (6) primers must be viewed.

  • ESG, Law and Policy (75 mins, 2021)
  • Climate Science, Risk and Carbon Neutrality/ Net Zero (90 mins, 2021)
  • Governance Framework for ESG (50 mins, 2021)
  • Indigenous Rights, Consent and the Duty to Consult in Canada (100 mins, 2021)
  • Indigenous-Led Projects and Partnerships (80 mins, 2021)
  • Trends in Sustainable Finance (~45-60 mins, to be recorded in 2024)

Who Should Attend

Commercial banking and finance law practitioners

Corporate, governance and risk practitioners

In-house counsel

Financial services professionals

Corporate board and audit committee members

Indigenous rights holders

Investors, dealers and their advisors

Investor relations professionals

Environmental and Indigenous law practitioners

Professionals whose work involves governance, investments, transactions or infrastructure projects

Faculty

Program Directors

Murray Gold

Counsel, Koskie Minsky LLP, and Fellow, Ontario Teachers’ Federation

Jennifer King

Gowling WLG LLP

Advisory Board

Barnali Choudhury

Professor and Director of Jack & Mae Nathanson Centre on Transnational Human Rights, Crime and Security, Osgoode Hall Law School

Judy Cotte

Managing Director – Head of ESG, Onex Corporation

Lisa DeMarco

Senior Partner and CEO, Resilient LLP

Carol Hansell

Senior Partner, Hansell McLaughlin Advisory Group

Sarah Keyes

CEO, ESG Global Advisors Inc.

Jamie MacKinnon

Senior Vice President, Anew

Andrea Moffat

Senior Director, Investment Stewardship, Addenda Capital

Anna Murray

Global Head of Sustainable Investing, Ontario Teachers Pension Plan

Instructors

Suzanne LeClair

Superintendent, Community Relations – Global, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

“This program provides a fulsome view of today's rapidly evolving ESG frameworks along with practical advice on processes. And the faculty… these experts generously shared their views, challenges and the trends which made it even more dynamic. A must certificate program for ESG practitioners.”

Agenda

View the 2023 program brochure and agenda to see what you’ll learn from leading experts. A detailed agenda for the upcoming program will be available soon.

Register

Nov 25, 26 & Dec 9, 10 & 11, 2024

$3,995 + TAX

Time

November 25, 2024

10:00 a.m – 4:30 p.m (ET)

November 26, 2024

10:00 a.m – 4:30 p.m (ET)

December 9, 2024

10:00 a.m – 4:30 p.m (ET)

December 10, 2024

10:00 a.m – 4:30 p.m (ET)

December 11, 2024

10:00 a.m – 4:30 p.m (ET)

Printable Registration Form

If a downloadable form is required, please contact osgoodepd@osgoode.yorku.ca.

“Is financial assistance or funding available?”

As law evolves, we know how important it is to stay up to date. We also understand the financial implications of continuously upgrading your professional skills and knowledge. For more information on available options, including Job Grants, OSAP, please visit:

Certificate Requirements

You will receive a certificate upon completion of the Osgoode Certificate in ESG, Climate Risk and the Law. Participants must view all Online Primers, attend all Modules (whether live, by viewing the recordings, or both) and pass the online multiple‑choice exam, all by January 8, 2025

CPD and Accreditation

OsgoodePD is an accredited provider with the LSO, the Law Society of BC and NY CLE Board. Select your location to view the eligible hours you may claim.

CPD Hours
Format
Contact us for inquiries about other provinces.
Substantive33h 30m
Professionalism3h 30m
EDI3h 15m
Total40h 15m
Substantive33h 30m
Professionalism3h 30m
EDI3h 15m
Total40h 15m
LAW SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIAThis program is approved for 37.75 CPD hours with the Law Society of British Columbia (a minimum of 3 hours will involve aspects of professional responsibility and ethics, client care and relations and/or practice management).
LAW SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIAThis program is approved for 37.75 CPD hours with the Law Society of British Columbia (a minimum of 3 hours will involve aspects of professional responsibility and ethics, client care and relations and/or practice management).

Are you reporting hours from a previous date?

View our CPD & Accreditation page to see previously calculated hours for this course.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Client and Technical Support

Have questions? Get advice in person, by email or over the phone.

Program content questions

Alexandra Karacsony, Program Lawyer
AKaracsony@osgoode.yorku.ca

Online Technical Requirements

To ensure you do not encounter any issues that will impact or limit your learning experience, please review the following information.