BLD Québec: New Standards, and the Heart of the Movement

On a chilly afternoon in Montreal, more than 75 members of the B Corp community gathered for a sold-out event, marking the first-ever B Corp Leadership Development (BLD) Québec. Organized by the volunteer-led B Local Québec, this year’s gathering was especially significant: after several years of virtual BLD events in Canada, the community was together in person.

“This was the first BLD in Québec, and the sold-out event felt like a real turning point for our community. Instead of simply celebrating B Corp Certification, we rolled up our sleeves together and focused on what it truly means in practice for workers, communities, and the planet,” said Aurelia Talvela, Strategic Advisor for B Local Québec. “The conversations around the new B Lab Standards, climate justice, supply chains, and JEDI were honest, challenging, and deeply practical. Participants left with concrete tools they can start using in their organizations tomorrow. It was inspiring to witness such a high level of engagement in every room, from panels to workshops, and to see how willing people were to share both their successes and their struggles, so that we can all raise the bar together.”

Despite the cool temperatures outside, warmth could be felt in every room, every presentation, every conversation, and every chance meeting. It was “a wonderful day filled with authentic exchanges, innovative ideas and inspiring collaborations,” in the words of B Local Québec.

The day-long event made the new B Lab Standards V2.1 the focus, with an emphasis on understanding, navigating, and implementing them towards B Corp Certification. Over the course of six hours, participants engaged in enlightening conversations while sharing illuminating insights across panels, workshops, discussions, and a closing happy hour — creating both learning opportunities and enduring connections.

Introducing the B Lab Standards for B Corp Certification V2.1

Following lunch and opening remarks from Talvela, the first panel — comprising Caroline Duguay, founder of Agence Cali, Thomas Ferland-Dionne, co-founder of Boite Pac, and Natalie Riviere, CEO at Commetta — introduced the updated impact standards to an audience eager to get up to speed.

One important takeaway was that the standards, which became more specific and comprehensive, were largely about implementing processes. Duguay emphasized that certification is a journey rather than a destination. Companies begin transforming as soon as they start the B Impact self-assessment, she noted.The expectation is for them to self-guide towards incremental goals, meaning they should not wait until recertification to make improvements. The B Lab’s Standards reflect and encourage this ongoing, iterative evolution.

Ferland-Dionne joked that the changes leave him oscillating between stress and excitement, but he underscored that the process is most effective when teams work through the standards collaboratively.

Deepening Supply Chain Impact

The second panel, moderated by B Local Québec board member Clémentine Freire, featured Céline Juppeau, founder of Kotmo, and Jennie Coleman, President at Equifruit, in a conversation that revealed how companies can amplify impact across the supply chain.

Juppeau noted that not all suppliers will be familiar with the standards, yet transparency and curiosity remain key. Asking questions and partnering with suppliers helps ensure alignment and strengthens one’s understanding of their entire value chain.

Coleman agreed, adding that B Lab’s Standards push companies to think bigger and broader. Working with suppliers who share similar values makes sustained progress possible — “bit by bit,” she said.

The panelists acknowledged that the updated B Lab’s Standards may require more time, effort, and investment. However, Coleman noted that being a B Corp requires us to look beyond day-to-day operations. “We don’t sell more bananas because we are a B Corp, but we can sell more bananas because of the actions we took to become one.”

Workshops Focusing on Impact Topics

After a short break, attendees split into workshops designed around different Impact Topics. Julie Savaria of Masla Empathy Lab facilitated a session on JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion). Ghani Kolli, CEO of Credo, guided attendees through impact measurement strategies.

In the second round of workshops, Clementina Consens of B Lab U.S. & Canada provided clarity on the Climate Action and Environmental Stewardship & Circularity Impact Topics, areas often perceived as complex. Meanwhile, Camille Fortier-Côté, Director of Operations at Niché, led participants through the process of structuring and articulating their company’s impact.

Overall, the workshops provided deeper looks and insightful angles on what B Lab’s Standards can mean in practice. Even when viewed in isolation, each Impact area has truly transformative potential, benefitting stakeholders both within the company and across global communities.

Closing on Community

The day wrapped up with a festive 5 à 7 or “Cinq à sept,” the Québécois version of a happy hour. After closing remarks from Riviere, participants enjoyed lively conversations over cocktails and snacks — a fitting end to a day that wasn’t just about navigating B Lab’s Standards but also reinforcing the community that powers the B Corp movement.

“For the team of volunteers behind this event, this is a powerful confirmation that there is real appetite in Québec for a more rigorous, inclusive, and impactful B Corp movement, giving us even more energy to build what comes next,” said Talvela.

Members of the B Local Québec community may soon have the opportunity to rendezvous once more. They’ll be able to rekindle their newly established connections and forge new ones should they attend the upcoming Champions Retreat 2026. Held in Milwaukee on April 21–23, it’s an opportunity to convene with other B Local and B Corp communities across the U.S. & Canada.

Reserve your tickets today to secure the special early bird rate, valid until the end of 2025. We hope to see everyone there soon — or, as they sometimes say in Québec, “à tantôt!”