The use of accounting to combat corruption in Canada’s extractive sector will be at the centre of this week’s Goodman Luncheon Speaker Series talk.

During the webinar, held Friday, Nov. 13, Michelle Lau, Assistant Professor of Accounting at Brock’s Goodman School of Business, will discuss Canada’s Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act (ESTMA), which was implemented to increase transparency by mandating public disclosure of financial information.

Lau will present her ongoing co-authored research about Canada’s role in the extractive sector in her presentation “Extractive Sector Stakeholders’ Perspectives of ESTMA: Can Accounting Combat Corruption?”

“Canada is a world leader in the extractive sector, which has been plagued by alleged human rights and environmental abuses,” Lau said. “Being a major player in the industry, Canada has the opportunity to lead the charge in reducing social conflict and environment abuse stemming from corruption.

“Our research suggests stakeholders in Canada believe ESTMA has improved transparency and has had a positive effect on the reputation of Canadian firms in the extractive sector, with minimal costs added to conducting business.”

The webinar presentation will take place Friday, Nov. 13 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. via Lifesize.

The Goodman School of Business Luncheon Speaker Series provides Goodman faculty, staff and students with an informal opportunity to listen to and discuss recent advances in research, teaching and practices with international business colleagues.

Anyone is welcome by clicking on the Lifesize webinar link at the date and time of the scheduled lecture presentation.