Chapter 14. Government Regulation and the Development of Corporate Social Responsibility in the UK and Canada

Abstract

Although Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is increasingly discussed in a variety of contexts in respect of both sustainable development and access to medicines there is no universally accepted or authoritative definition of the concept. The extent of concern with CSR-related issues in Canada and the UK is reviewed and the extent to which these views are reflected in corporate behaviour is examined. In terms of European influences on CSR legislation, the UK seems (in legislative terms at least) to be running ahead of the European Union (EU). As is evident, while distinct bodies of 'CSR Law' have not developed internationally or in either the UK or Canada, there have been significant legal developments in the two countries that have had the effect of encouraging and facilitating CSR compliance by corporations. The chapter underlines the importance of government regulation and legal frameworks in guiding corporate behaviour in relation to CSR. Keywords: Canada; Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); European Union (EU); government regulation; UK