CIMA Conference Leads Discussion on Corporate Sustainability

TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2012 /CNW/ - On Tuesday, October 30, 2012, CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) hosted an innovative discussion on Corporate Sustainability. The conference in Toronto Canada brought together business leaders and experts in the field of corporate sustainability to discuss if there is a business case for sustainability in Canada.

CIMA President Gulzari Babber FCMA, CGMA delivered the opening remarks and the key note address was given by Jim Harris, who is one of North America's foremost authors and thinkers on change, leadership and strategic and sustainable business. Following this there was a round table discussion Chaired by Diane Francis, Editor-at-Large for the National Post and Distinguished Visiting Professor at Ryerson University. Other participants included Valerie Chort, Partner and leader of the Sustainability and Climate Change Services at Deloitte Canada, Pavi Binning, President, George Weston Limited and Laurent Tainturier, President of BASF Canada.

Amal Ratnayake, Chair of CIMA Canada stated:

"I am extremely pleased by the vibrant discussion that the conference produced. For too long in Canada the prevalent ethos has been that sustainable business is at best a 'feel good' issue and at worst 'green washing.' Importantly the conference built upon research that CIMA has undertaken to show that sustainability is increasingly viewed as a fundamental part of business strategy and necessary for continued profitability."

CIBC's Robert Hughes Vice-President, Corporate and Operational Risk Management, said:

"CIBC was pleased to sponsor this conference. Corporate Sustainability is a relevant issue in business today. Our strategic imperative is to deliver consistent, sustainable earnings over the long term. That same philosophy of consistency and sustainability also guides our conduct in the broader scope of our activities. At CIBC, we recognize that good business and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. Our success as a company depends on a sustainable economy, which in turn contributes to a healthy environment for our, clients, employees, and communities."

Notes to Editors

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, founded in 1919, is the world's leading and largest professional body of Management Accountants, with 195,000 members and students operating in 176 countries, working at the heart of business. CIMA members and students work in industry, commerce, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations. CIMA works closely with employers and sponsors leading-edge research, constantly updating its qualification, professional experience requirements and continuing professional development to ensure it remains the employers' choice when recruiting financially-trained business leaders.

Professionalism and ethics are at the core of CIMA's activities with every member and student bound by rigorous standards so that integrity, expertise and vision are brought together.

CIMA has formed a joint venture with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) to establish the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation. CGMA is the global quality standard that further elevates the profession of management accounting.

CIMA is proud to be the first professional accounting body to offer a truly global product in the fast-moving area of Islamic Finance.

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SOURCE: Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

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