An initiative that celebrates transparency… and trains the analysts of tomorrow
Each year, Finance Montréal organizes the Best Sustainability Report Competition in collaboration with Quebec universities — a unique initiative at the crossroads of ESG analysis, practical learning, and recognition of excellence in sustainability disclosure.
This competition has two main objectives:
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Highlight Canadian public companies that stand out for the quality, rigour, and clarity of their sustainability reports |
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Equip the next generation of sustainable finance professionals through a concrete, applied, and career-oriented learning experience |
« The competition enabled our students to envision themselves as ESG reporting experts in an active learning context. A true pedagogical innovation.»
Hajer Tebini
Faculty lecturer, Department of Management, HEC Montréal
Coordinator, Certificates in sustainable transition
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Photo credit: Joëlle Simard-Lapointe |
A practical learning platform
Launched each fall, the competition mobilizes teams of university student who spend several months evaluating sustainability reports from Canadian public companies in a specific sector. Using a rigorous analysis grid developed in partnership with extra-financial disclosure specialists, participants evaluate the reports based on key criteria such as:
- Clarity of presentation
- Consistency between ESG issues and selected indicators
- Materiality of disclosed information
- Completeness of reported data
Teams are supported throughout the process by university faculty members, who guide them in developing analytical, strategic, and communication skills.
You're a teacher? Learn how to register a team.
A gateway to the professional world
Beyond academic learning, the competition acts as a career accelerator.
This immersion allows students to:
- Understand sector-specific ESG issues
- Develop their ability to present and defend an analysis
- Expand their network through interactions with professionals
- Project themselves in the role of an ESG analyst
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Photo credit: Joëlle Simard-Lapointe |
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Photo credit: Joëlle Simard-Lapointe |
Tangible value for companies
Companies whose reports are analyzed benefit from an insightful external perspective and structured feedback on their sustainability disclosure practices.
The competition offers them an opportunity to better understand the expectations of the next generation of analysts, and to improve the relevance of their reports.
« Participating in the competition allowed me to put my knowledge into practice, gain a better understanding of the specifics of a sector — in my case, gold mining — and sharpen my critical thinking. »
Dorian Monceau
Student, ESG-UQAM
A gala to celebrate excellence
The competition culminates each spring in a recognition gala that brings together the academic community, participating companies, and industry leaders.
It’s an opportunity to discover students' findings, discuss best practices, and honour companies that stood out in their respective sectors.
