• Wendy Berman will lead CSSB through critical implementation of Canada’s new sustainability disclosure standards.
• Her appointment signals a strategic pivot from standard development to market adoption.
• Berman’s regulatory and litigation expertise strengthens Canada’s role in global sustainability reporting.

Wendy Berman has been named the permanent Chair of the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB), effective May 5, 2025.

The announcement comes at a pivotal time, as the CSSB prepares to implement Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standards (CSDS) 1 and 2—released in December 2024—amid rising global demand for transparent, comparable ESG reporting.

Berman brings over three decades of experience in securities regulation, sustainable finance, and governance. She formerly served as Vice-Chair of the Ontario Securities Commission and was most recently head of the national Securities Litigation Group at McCarthy Tétrault LLP.

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“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.”

With the close of the CSSB’s 2025–2028 strategic plan consultation, Berman’s leadership is expected to drive execution, ensuring standards are effectively adopted across sectors and jurisdictions.

“Wendy brings both deep regulatory insight and a strategic vision for the future of sustainability reporting in Canada,” said Richard Talbot, Chair of the Reporting & Assurance Standards Oversight Council. “Her leadership will help guide the CSSB through its next phase as the conversation turns from standard development to real-world implementation.”

The CSSB also acknowledged Bruce Marchand for his contributions as interim Chair, helping to establish early standards and build national engagement.

Berman’s appointment aligns with Canada’s broader ESG objectives and signals the CSSB’s readiness to lead on sustainable market transformation.

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