{"id":16641,"date":"2025-05-28T17:34:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T17:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gascon.ca\/?p=16641"},"modified":"2025-10-22T13:22:03","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T13:22:03","slug":"internal-transmission-article-a-00001-202503-corporate-social-responsibility-issues-and-reflections-in-2025-in-quebec","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gascon.ca\/en\/corporate-social-responsibility-issues-and-reflections-in-2025-in-quebec\/","title":{"rendered":"Corporate Social Responsibility: issues and reflections in 2025 in Quebec"},"content":{"rendered":"
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  1. <\/b>Introduction to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Quebec: understanding the issues to take effective action<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    In 2025, CSR will be a key issue for Quebec companies. Driven by a strong societal will and heightened ecological awareness, this concept goes far beyond simple regulatory compliance in terms of responsibility. It reflects the voluntary integration of social, environmental and ethical concerns into business activities.<\/p>\n

    According to a survey conducted by the Institut du Qu\u00e9bec, Credo and HEC Montr\u00e9al’s P\u00f4le IDEOS, 88% of Quebec entrepreneurs believe that companies should take their social and environmental impact into consideration. What’s more, 84% believe that companies should play a proactive role in resolving social and environmental issues, and 59% think that the interests of stakeholders should be considered at the same level as those of shareholders. These figures testify to a major transformation in the perception of corporate responsibility: companies themselves are becoming aware of it. 1<\/sup><\/p>\n

    Yet this transition is not without its darker side. While 75% of respondents rate their CSR performance as good or excellent, there is still a lack of clarity as to the very definition of CSR, the actions it encompasses and the obligations it entails. It would therefore be relevant, and above all legitimate, to ask what it really means to \u201ccomply with the concept of CSR\u201d, in 2025, in Quebec?<\/b><\/p>\n

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    1. <\/b>Redefining the foundations of corporate responsibility<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Decades of exponential growth linked to industrialization were summed up in a single article published by economist and author Milton Friedman in the New York Times, entitled \u201cThe Social Responsibility of Business Is To Increase Its Profits<\/i>\u201d\u00a02<\/sup>. The latter takes a restrictive view of the responsibility of business, focusing solely on increasing profits<\/i> and, ultimately<\/i>, on the dividends paid out to shareholders. Historically, this dominant vision limited corporate responsibility to maximizing profits. Today, this posture seems outdated, if not totally archaic: climatic, social and economic imperatives are imposing themselves on all and require a revision of the societal role of companies.<\/p>\n

      The European Commission defines CSR as \u201cthe responsibility of companies for the effects they have on society<\/i>\u201d\u00a03<\/sup> , insisting of course on compliance with \u201ccurrent legislation and collective agreements concluded between social partners<\/i>\u201d 4<\/sup>, but above all acknowledging that companies \u201cmust have engaged, in close collaboration with their stakeholders, in a process designed to integrate social, environmental, ethical, human rights and consumer concerns into their business activities and core strategy<\/i>\u201d 5<\/sup>. The Office qu\u00e9b\u00e9cois de la langue fran\u00e7aise adds that this responsibility essentially stems from the \u201csocial conscience or moral necessity<\/i>\u201d\u00a06<\/sup> of companies to assume \u201cthe consequences that their activities entail for the communit<\/i>y\u201d\u00a07<\/sup> , thereby encouraging them to adopt sustainable practices on their own initiative. The adoption of CSR in the corporate world is, above all, an internal process and a personal desire on the part of companies to act better. CSR is intimately linked to sustainable development, defined as \u201cdevelopment that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs<\/i>\u201d\u00a08<\/sup> .<\/p>\n

      In short, CSR enables companies to acquire \u201c<\/b>a long-term vision that takes into account the inseparable nature of the environmental, social and economic dimensions of development activities<\/i><\/b>\u201d\u00a09<\/sup> , in their operational and strategic choices.<\/b><\/p>\n

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      1. <\/b>CSR, a crucial lever in Quebec in 2025 ?<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Quebec’s environment is particularly conducive to the development of CSR. It combines abundant natural resources, an innovative economy\u00a010<\/sup> and a highly qualified population. The historic employment rate of 62.1% in 2023\u00a011<\/sup> , and the expected growth in the active population between now and 2071\u00a012<\/sup> , demonstrate a socio-economic dynamic that is more than favourable to the economic growth of companies.<\/p>\n

        Against this backdrop, companies benefit from more than fertile ground for experimenting with new business models that incorporate CSR. This is all the more true given that public concerns are increasingly focused on the environment and social justice. The fight against climate change is at the top of the agenda in many Western countries, and Quebec is no exception: “concern is high in countries where populations are seeing climate disasters multiply, with lasting effects on infrastructure, human life and the economy […]. In Europe, North America and even Asia, populations continue to place the environment in the top 5 of their concerns, despite the inflationary crisis and the pressure of social, security and migration issues. Similarly, in these countries, the fight against climate change is seen as the absolute priority (compared to various forms of pollution, for example) <\/i> ” 13<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

        Ignoring CSR would mean neglecting the growing expectations of stakeholders, be they consumers, employees, investors or public authorities. Conversely, the strategic integration of CSR can become a real lever of competitiveness and legitimacy for any company, from the smallest to the largest.<\/b><\/p>\n

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        1. <\/b>From intention to action: towards a structured and measurable CSR<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Despite a clear desire to do so, many companies are still struggling to put CSR into practice on a day-to-day basis. There are many justifiable reasons for this. As mentioned above, there is a certain lack of a clear legal framework, a lack of knowledge of sustainable governance tools, a lack of funds to be deployed for this type of issue, and a lack of uniform criteria for measuring social or environmental impact: these four elements combined easily allow the creation of an inconsistent framework for corporate governors. This inconsistency is illustrated by the fact that “almost a third of the companies surveyed said that it was primarily a lack of resources that was holding back their CSR progress. Factors that would encourage progress include better financial support (46%), a greater degree of adoption of CSR practices by competitors (37%), support in terms of knowledge, expertise and coaching (36%), and government-required legislation and standards (34%) <\/i>” 14<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

          Faced with these challenges, it is essential to distinguish between legal obligations (transparency, governance, compliance with environmental standards), voluntary initiatives (often motivated by reputation or internal values), actions induced by social or media pressure, and commercial positioning strategies, which sometimes exploit CSR for marketing purposes (greenwashing<\/i>)\u00a015<\/sup> .<\/p>\n

          From this point of view, the company can’t be content with rhetoric; it must demonstrate, through concrete actions, the coherence between its commitments and its results. This may involve formalizing a CSR policy in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), consulting stakeholders on a regular basis via \u201cGreen Committees\u201d, publishing extra-financial performance indicators (carbon footprint, pay equity, rate of integration of eco-responsible practices), or even, possibly, officially and publicly adhering to international initiatives (UN Global Compact, ISO 26000 standards, etc.). For these concrete applications, or for more general information, our team of dedicated professionals at Gascon et Associ\u00e9s will be delighted to answer all your questions and guide you in your efforts to integrate CSR into your organizations!<\/b><\/p>\n

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          1. <\/b>Conclusion: CSR, a lever for collective transformation<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            All in all, it is important to note that CSR should no longer be seen as a constraint or an option reserved for large companies or megastructures, but rather as a systemic necessity that affects all types of corporate entities. It embodies a way of rethinking the economy, by integrating the logics of responsibility, transparency and sustainability into the day-to-day management of every corporation.<\/p>\n

            For Quebec companies, 2025 represents a strategic opportunity to anchor themselves in a dynamic of profound change, at the crossroads of regulatory requirements, public expectations and environmental challenges. It’s time to move from a commitment to principle to a commitment to results, and we’re here at your side to support you in this healthy dynamic of growth and sustainability!<\/b><\/p>\n

            1<\/sup> \u00ab La responsabilit\u00e9 sociale des entreprises au Qu\u00e9bec perceptions, d\u00e9fis et pistes de solutions<\/i> \u00bb, Institut du Qu\u00e9bec, Credo, P\u00f4le IDEOS de HEC Montr\u00e9al, 2021 (page 13<\/i>) : https:\/\/institutduquebec.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/202112-IDQ-RSE.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

            2<\/sup> \u00ab A Friedman doctrine<\/i> : <\/i><\/span>The Social Responsibility of Business Is to Increase Its Profits<\/i> \u00bb, Milton Friedman, 1970 (via The New York Times<\/i>) : https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/1970\/09\/13\/archives\/a-friedman-doctrine-the-social-responsibility-of-business-is-to.html<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

            3 <\/sup>\u00ab Communication de la Commission au Parlement europ\u00e9en, au Conseil, au Comit\u00e9 \u00e9conomique et social europ\u00e9en et au Comit\u00e9 des r\u00e9gions<\/i> \u00bb, Responsabilit\u00e9 sociale des entreprises : une nouvelle strat\u00e9gie de l’UE pour la p\u00e9riode 2011-2014, Document 52011DC0681<\/i> : https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/legal-content\/FR\/TXT\/?uri=celex:52011DC0681<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

            4<\/sup> \u00ab Responsabilit\u00e9 soci\u00e9tale des entreprises : d\u00e9finition<\/i> \u00bb, Office qu\u00e9b\u00e9cois de la langue fran\u00e7aise, 2011 : https:\/\/vitrinelinguistique.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca\/fiche-gdt\/fiche\/8357592\/responsabilite-societale-des-entreprises<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

            5<\/sup> \u00ab \u00c0 propos du d\u00e9veloppement durable \u00bb, Minist\u00e8re de l\u2019Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs : https:\/\/www.environnement.gouv.qc.ca\/developpement\/definition.htm<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

            6<\/sup> \u00ab Loi sur le d\u00e9veloppement durable (Projet de Loi 118)<\/i> \u00bb, Assembl\u00e9e nationale du Qu\u00e9bec, 2006 : https:\/\/www.publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/fileadmin\/Fichiers_client\/lois_et_reglements\/LoisAnnuelles\/fr\/2006\/2006C3F.PDF<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

            7<\/sup> \u00ab Les entreprises qu\u00e9b\u00e9coises de 20 employ\u00e9s et plus innovent de plus en plus<\/i> \u00bb, Institut de la statistique du Qu\u00e9bec, 2019 : https:\/\/statistique.quebec.ca\/fr\/communique\/les-entreprises-quebecoises-de-20-employes-et-plus-innovent-de-plus-en-plus<\/span><\/a> ; et, \u00ab Bulletin Science, technologie et innovation \u00bb, Institut de la statistique du Qu\u00e9bec : https:\/\/statistique.quebec.ca\/fr\/document\/bulletin-science-technologie-et-innovation<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

            8<\/sup> \u00ab Bilan du march\u00e9 du travail au Qu\u00e9bec en 2023 : l\u2019emploi est en hausse pour une troisi\u00e8me ann\u00e9e cons\u00e9cutive, apr\u00e8s avoir connu un recul en 2020<\/i> \u00bb, Institut de la statistique du Qu\u00e9bec, 2024 : https:\/\/statistique.quebec.ca\/fr\/communique\/bilan-marche-travail-quebec-2023<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

            9<\/sup> \u00ab Les nouvelles tendances d\u00e9mographiques rehaussent les perspectives de croissance dans plusieurs r\u00e9gions du Qu\u00e9bec<\/i> \u00bb, Institut de la statistique du Qu\u00e9bec, 2024 : https:\/\/statistique.quebec.ca\/fr\/communique\/nouvelles-tendances-demographiques-rehaussent-perspectives-croissance-plusieurs-regions-du-quebec<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

            10<\/sup> \u00ab 43% de la population mondiale se montre tr\u00e8s pr\u00e9occup\u00e9e par le changement climatique \u00bb, Ipsos, 2023 : https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/fr-ca\/43-de-la-population-mondiale-se-montre-tres-preoccupee-par-le-changement-climatique<\/span><\/a> ; et, \u00ab Obs\u2019COP 2023 : observatoire international <\/i>climat et opinions publiques<\/i> \u00bb, Ipsos et EDF, 2023 : https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/sites\/default\/files\/ct\/news\/documents\/2023-12\/Infographie_ObsCOP-2023.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

            11<\/sup> \u00ab La responsabilit\u00e9 sociale des entreprises au Qu\u00e9bec perceptions, d\u00e9fis et pistes de solutions<\/i> \u00bb, Institut du Qu\u00e9bec, Credo, P\u00f4le IDEOS de HEC Montr\u00e9al, 2021 (page 5<\/i>) : https:\/\/institutduquebec.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/202112-IDQ-RSE.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

            12 <\/sup>\u00ab Le verdissement d\u2019image (greenwashing<\/i>) constitue un obstacle important \u00e0 la lutte contre les changements climatiques. En faisant croire au public qu\u2019une entreprise ou une autre entit\u00e9 fait plus pour prot\u00e9ger l\u2019environnement qu\u2019elle ne le fait, le verdissement d\u2019image favorise de fausses solutions \u00e0 la crise climatique qui d\u00e9tournent l\u2019attention d\u2019une action concr\u00e8te et cr\u00e9dible et la retardent \u00bb, dans \u00ab Verdissement d\u2019image \u2013 les tactiques trompeuses qui se cachent derri\u00e8re les affirmations environnementales \u00bb, Nations Unies : https:\/\/www.un.org\/fr\/climatechange\/science\/climate-issues\/greenwashing<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

            By Matthias Sanchez<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

            Introduction to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Quebec: understanding the issues to take effective action In 2025, CSR will be a key issue for Quebec companies. Driven by a strong societal will and heightened ecological awareness, this concept goes far beyond simple regulatory compliance in terms of responsibility. It reflects the voluntary integration of social, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16685,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[159],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16641","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-law"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gascon.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16641","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gascon.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gascon.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gascon.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gascon.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16641"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/gascon.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16641\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17015,"href":"https:\/\/gascon.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16641\/revisions\/17015"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gascon.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16685"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gascon.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16641"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gascon.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16641"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gascon.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16641"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}