Program Directors

Murray Gold

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

Jennifer King

Gowling WLG LLP

Eligible for

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

Global financial markets, scientific data, government policy and public opinion are converging to drive rapid legal, business and cultural changes in the area of ESG-related risk management. At the same time, ESG and climate-related risks are leading to greater legal and regulatory claims, shareholder activism, investor class-actions, and public “naming and shaming” in cases where an organization is not adequately prioritizing ESG and climate issues.

In order to effectively navigate and advise on legal and operational ESG and climate-related risks and issues in the context of governance matters, commercial transactions and investments, and to avoid legal liability and reputational risk, you must have a solid grasp of the complex and evolving laws and expectations in this area.

Designed by governance, climate-risk and policy experts for board directors and legal and business professionals whose work involves governance, commercial transactions or investments, this unique new OsgoodePD Certificate is the only program of its kind for Canadian organizations, boards and legal advisors to upskill in this important area.

Over five engaging days featuring discussion and case studies, you will learn how to evaluate, navigate and disclose common ESG and climate-related risks and opportunities, establish and develop an ESG framework within the corporate culture and decision-making process, and set suitable ESG-related legal risk management and operational goals.

Completing this program will enhance your knowledge and refine your repertoire of risk management strategies and techniques for navigating ESG and climate-related issues, potential liability exposure and opportunities and provide you with valuable resources.

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

Included with the Certificate, these online primers are available on demand, and they cover 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 five (5) primers before attending the program. To obtain your Certificate, all primers must be viewed.

  • ESG, Law and Policy Primer (75 mins, 2021)
  • Climate Science, Risk and Carbon Neutrality/ Net Zero Primer (90 mins, 2021)
  • Governance Framework for ESG Primer (50 mins, 2021)
  • Indigenous Rights, Consent and the Duty to Consult in Canada Primer (100 mins, 2021)
  • Indigenous-Led Projects and Partnerships Primer (80 mins, 2021)

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

What You’ll Learn

Principal elements and market expectations of rapidly evolving ESG criteria including critical developments, policies, government and civil initiatives, nationally and globally, influencing ESG and climate-related risks and opportunities

Strategies for managing and disclosing ESG criteria

How ESG factors and climate risks intersect with relevant laws, policies and rights in Canada, including the unique impact on Indigenous communities and the duty to consult

Key considerations, challenges, and legal risks that boards and organizations face when evaluating and modeling financial impacts related to ESG and climate risk

Techniques for navigating current and emerging governance and diligence obligations, challenges and legal issues, including oversight, disclosure, and engagement with investors and other stakeholders

Approaches for evaluating common risk management tools to mitigate, avoid or respond to ESG-related risks and potential legal actions

Tactics for managing common ESG-related risks, challenges and liability exposures in governance matters, transactions, investments and infrastructure projects

How to critique and construct methods for setting clear ESG-related legal risk management and operational goals

Best practices for embedding an ESG framework into the corporate decision-making process

Who Should Attend

Commercial banking and finance law practitioners

Corporate and governance practitioners

In-house counsel

Financial services practitioners

Corporate board and audit committee members

Investors, dealers and their advisors

Investor relations professionals

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

Indigenous rights holders

Faculty

Program Directors

Murray Gold

Partner, 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

Robert Elms

President, North American Carbon Canada Inc.

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

Senior Managing Director, Total Fund Management, Global Head of Sustainable Investing, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan

Instructors

Suzanne LeClair

Senior Advisor, Stakeholder Engagement, 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 – 5:00 p.m (ET)

November 26, 2024

10:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m (ET)

December 9, 2024

10:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m (ET)

December 10, 2024

10:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m (ET)

December 11, 2024

10:00 a.m – 5:00 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Client and Technical Support

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Online Technical Requirements

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