Dear RIA Members,
As we approach the midpoint of 2026, I’ve been reflecting on the momentum of the year so far. Our industry continues to operate against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, geopolitical tension, rapid technological advancement and evolving expectations around responsible investment. The constant pace of change and broader state of the world can at times feel challenging and even overwhelming. Yet amidst all of this, I continue to be encouraged by the resilience of our community, the quality of conversations taking place across the industry and the enduring commitment to long-term thinking and responsible investment principles.
In moments like these, the RIA’s role becomes even more important.
Over the past several months, we have remained focused on delivering meaningful value to members through research, education, advocacy and convening. Earlier this spring, we launched the 2026 Investor Opinion Survey as part of the Responsible Investment Research Initiative. This year marked the tenth edition of the study, a significant milestone for one of Canada’s longest-running barometers of investor sentiment on responsible investment. Over the past decade, the survey has provided valuable insight into how Canadian investors understand, perceive and engage with RI, while helping trace shifts in attitudes and expectations over time.
In the coming weeks, we will also launch the first Investor Pulse Check, a new research initiative designed to provide timely snapshots of investor sentiment in an increasingly fast-moving environment.
At the same time, the 2026 Canadian Responsible Investment Trends survey is now in field. As the cornerstone of institutional RI market research in Canada, the Trends Report plays a critical role in tracking the evolution, maturity and direction of RI practices across the industry. Participation from institutional investors is especially important this year and member contributions will be invaluable.
Research findings and industry insights are only meaningful if they reflect the perspectives and realities of the community they are intended to serve. That is also why we are conducting a survey of advisor members to better understand your needs, priorities and perspectives on the evolving responsible investment landscape. Your input will help guide the RIA’s research, education, advocacy and member services over the coming years. You will receive the survey later this week and I strongly encourage you to complete it. Your feedback will play an important role in shaping our future priorities.
This year has also included a strong cadence of webinars, briefings and member roundtables on issues ranging from sustainability disclosure and policy developments to emerging industry trends and best practices. One recent highlight was last week’s member session with the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB), which provided insight into current standard-setting developments and created an important forum for dialogue with the investment community.
In March, we also convened a dynamic hybrid meeting of the Canadian RI Working Group, bringing together a broad cross-section of members and speakers to explore evolving market and policy developments shaping RI.
Our Member Roundtable Series has continued to foster thoughtful peer exchange on timely issues facing the industry. The March discussion, Stewardship Under Pressure: Navigating Proxy Voting and Shareholder Rights in 2026, generated particularly strong engagement among participants. The Series continues June 16th with a discussion focused on AI governance and responsible investment. These sessions are designed to foster candid peer dialogue on complex and rapidly evolving issues, and I look forward to seeing many of you there.
I would also like to remind you that the RIA’s Annual General Meeting will take place virtually on June 18th. I hope many of you will join us as we reflect on the past year and look ahead to the opportunities before us.
Of course, one of the highlights of every year for me is the opportunity to gather with members at the RIA Conference. This year’s event comes at a particularly important moment for our industry. Across markets, we are seeing heightened uncertainty alongside significant long-term opportunity. Fear and short-termism can easily dominate headlines and decision-making in environments like these. Yet responsible investment has always required perspective, resilience and the ability to look beyond immediate cycles toward long-term value creation and risk management.
Periods of uncertainty like this underscore the value of thoughtful dialogue and shared learning, which is precisely what the Conference is designed to foster.
The 2026 RIA Conference will bring together diverse voices from across the investment ecosystem to engage in timely, substantive and candid conversations. From geopolitical risk and sustainability disclosure to artificial intelligence, advisor practice management and impact investing, the program is designed to address the realities facing investment professionals today while reflecting the breadth of perspectives across our membership.
This year’s expanded three-day structure also recognizes the increasingly interconnected nature of the responsible investment ecosystem, with dedicated programming for advisors, institutional investors and impact investment professionals, while maintaining shared themes and opportunities for cross-sector exchange throughout the event.
Most importantly, the Conference is an opportunity to reconnect with one another. Every year I leave inspired by the conversations, insights and relationships that emerge from these gatherings. At a time when external narratives can often feel divisive or uncertain, there is tremendous value in being in the room with peers who are equally committed to advancing thoughtful, resilient and forward-looking investment practices.
Finally, behind the scenes, the RIA continues to advance foundational work to support and enhance the member experience through the phased rollout of new digital platforms, including a new CRM and Learning Management System. While implementation of projects of this scale takes time and careful coordination, these investments will ultimately help strengthen functionality, improve access to learning and events, and better support members, learners and credential holders over the long term.
Thank you for the trust, engagement and collaboration you continue to bring to this community and to the advancement of responsible investment in Canada. I look forward to seeing many of you at the AGM and Conference, and to continuing this important work together throughout the remainder of 2026.
Warm regards,
Patricia Fletcher,
Chief Executive Officer
Responsible Investment Association
