Wendy Berman has been appointed as the permanent Chair of the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB), effective May 5, 2025, marking a strategic shift toward implementation of Canada’s new ESG reporting standards.
Her leadership arrives at a crucial moment as the CSSB moves to operationalize Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standards (CSDS) 1 and 2—released in December 2024—to meet growing global expectations for high-quality, comparable sustainability disclosures.
Berman brings more than 30 years of experience in securities regulation, sustainable finance, and governance. She previously served as Vice-Chair of the Ontario Securities Commission and led the national Securities Litigation Group at McCarthy Tétrault LLP. Her appointment signals a move from standard-setting to market-wide adoption, and her regulatory acumen is expected to enhance Canada’s international ESG credibility.
“It’s an honour to take on this role at such a crucial time in the transition to a low carbon economy,” said Berman. “I look forward to working with my fellow Board members and Canadians across the country to promote transparency, resilience, and long-term value in our capital markets through high-quality sustainability disclosures.”
Berman’s appointment follows the close of the CSSB’s 2025–2028 strategic plan consultation and positions the board to lead Canada’s sustainable finance evolution. The CSSB also acknowledged Bruce Marchand for his contributions as interim Chair during its foundational phase.
