Updated July 2025
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 of family business owners and family enterprise advisors, 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 the report, Are Canadian Family Businesses Engaging in Sustainable Development Practices? and our newly-released case studies (see below).
While the findings in the report may lack statistical evidence, they served 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.
UPDATE: Monday, July 7, 2025:
Family enterprises in Canada are indeed doing their part! As of July 7, 2025, we are proud to share several case studies examining the incredible achievements of families who transformed their business into a force for good. Timber manufacturer Kalesnikoff is working towards carbon-neutrality; metals recycler ABC Recycling is helping clean up remote Canadian communities - these are just a few examples. Read all our inspiring case studies below:
- Burnbrae Farms: Purpose, prosperity and renewal through sustainable thinking
- Kemp Construction: Net zero building for a sustainable future
- ABC Recycling: Strengthening lives through sustainability
- Kalesnikoff: Conscious caretakers of cherished resources
For additional depth, please explore our website, and you can learn more about our Family Enterprise Impact 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 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 from our Family Enterprise Impact Committee (formerly 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.