COVID-19 and Corporate Social Responsibility: A Canadian Perspective

Abstract

Starting in June 2020—three months after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic—a series of interviews were started with representatives of large firms operating in Canada to address two primary questions: (1) How have corporations in Canada supported COVID-19 response efforts? (2) Will the COVID-19 pandemic result in increased responsibilities for, and societal expectations of, corporations? In response to the first query, it is concluded that many large firms have been successfully leveraging existing CSR programs to support COVID-19 response efforts. The companies assessed in this study are not indicative of corporate COVID-19 responses across Canada; however, the participants serve to demonstrate best practices for supporting pandemic relief and response efforts in tandem with continued operations. In response to the second query, it is concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic has created increased pressures for corporations within Canada to leverage their resources to advance and protect societal interests. Most notably, some industry leaders have recognized increasing requirements to maintain their social licence to operate and are thus seeking to expand CSR programs in a time of financial uncertainty brought about by the pandemic. As many civil society organizations continue to experience financial and operational pressures due to COVID-19, there is significant pressure on corporations to bolster their community advancement initiatives. This study provides insights into how leading firms in Canada have supported COVID-19 response as well as the future of CSR in Canada.