The Case for a Canadian Sustainable Finance Taxonomy

Without clear standards, investors face a fragmented approach to climate investing—limiting the flow of capital needed to fund Canada’s transition. In this episode of Sustainability Leaders, John Uhren, Global Head of Sustainable Finance at BMO Capital Markets, speaks with Marlene Puffer, Chair of the Canadian Taxonomy and Transition Planning Council at Business Future Pathways, about how a sustainable finance taxonomy can bring consistency, credibility, and scale to climate investment. Puffer explains how a taxonomy classifies economic activity into categories to better direct capital—particularly toward hard‑to‑abate sectors such as steel and energy. The conversation explores why Canada needs to attract significant new investment to meet net‑zero goals, how global examples are already mobilizing capital at scale, and how a clear, science‑based framework can improve transparency, attract foreign investment, and support more effective allocation of capital across the economy. For the Sustainable Finance Taxonomy: Methodology Report Draft, visit: https://www.businessfuturepathways.ca/consultations/sustainable-finance-taxonomy-methodology-report-draft-for-public-comment/