Preface

There is a growing appetite among businesses for authoritative information, company examples and advice about corporate social responsibility. The federal government developed this guide to respond to the regular requests it gets for information about corporate social responsibility and the federal government's work with industry to promote sustainable development. Publication of the guide comes at a time when multilateral organizations, governments, non-governmental organizations and other groups are devoting considerable time and energy to corporate social responsibility and related subjects. Readers should note that this guide considers corporate social responsibility to be only one aspect of a comprehensive multi-party effort to improve environmental and social conditions and prevent harm; the complementary actions of governments, non-governmental organizations, citizens and others are also necessary.