Are Canadian Family Businesses Engaging in Sustainable Development Practices?

In 2020, the Family Business for Sustainable Development (UNCTAD‑FBN‑I) initiative launched, propelling the Family Enterprise Foundation into action. This led to the formation of a committee comprising family business owners, entrusted with the task of evaluating the concerns and engagements of Canadian family businesses in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Fast forward to 2023, and the culmination of the Committee’s initial efforts are encapsulated in this report.

While the findings may lack statistical evidence, they serve as a compass, guiding family businesses through the sustainability landscape. These businesses, contributing significantly to Canada’s economy (constituting 49% of GDP from the private sector), are invited to glean insights and actionable tips from this report.

For additional depth, please explore the Family Enterprise Foundation website, and you can learn more about our Family Business for Sustainable Development (FBSD) initiative in Canada by clicking here.

How to leverage this information

Business Families and Family Enterprise Advisors alike can consider incorporating the learnings from these findings as part of their own approach to their business strategies. Read the the key findings in the full report.

Thank you to our supporters

This report was prepared by Family Enterprise Foundation in collaboration with the insightful participation of members of our Family Business for Sustainable Development Committee. A special thank you to Thomas Clark for facilitating the analysis of this data and supporting it through his thought leadership. Thank you to our donors for your ongoing support of family enterprise research.