Category: News

July 16, 2019 – Toronto – The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is pleased to announce that Impact International Secured Investments (Impact ISI) has joined the RIA as an Associate Member.

“We are pleased to welcome Impact ISI as an Associate Member of the RIA,” said Dustyn Lanz, CEO of the Responsible Investment Association. “By joining the RIA, Impact ISI is helping to advance responsible investment in Canada. We look forward to working with them to support the incorporation of environmental, social and governance factors into Canadians’ investment decisions.”

The RIA is Canada’s industry association dedicated to advancing responsible investment, which refers to the incorporation of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into the selection and management of investments. RIA membership has grown rapidly in recent years as investors increasingly seek investments that align with their values and manage exposure to ESG risks and opportunities. According to research published by the RIA $2.1 trillion are invested responsible in Canada, equal to more than 50% of professionally managed AUM in Canada.

“Our firm specializes in the full facilitation of green and socially responsible bonds, while recognizing the ongoing need for lower risk responsible investment projects,” said L.T. Oliver, Managing Director of Impact ISI. “We are looking forward to working with RIA members to advance our goals in Canada and Internationally.”

Impact International Secured Investments specializes in the full facilitation of green bond issues, as well as in secured green bonds, with a threshold from $50 Million up to $500 Million. Impact ISI has accumulated over $50 Billion in hard assets with additional vetted assets available when needed.

About Responsible Investment Association
The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is a Canadian network of more than 300 institutional investors and investment professionals who practice and support responsible investing. The RIA’s institutional members collectively manage more than $12 trillion in assets. To learn more about the RIA, please visit www.riacanada.ca.

Media Enquiries
Nick Buccheri, Manager, Communications and Digital Media, RIA, +1 416-461-6042

On May 29, 2019, the RIA held its Annual General & Special Meeting in Toronto.

The Annual General & Special Meeting had an in-person turn-out of 35. For the first time, in advance of the AGM the RIA was pleased to offer an online remote voting option for members via service provider ClickBallot. 110 total votes were cast, including 107 votes submitted by remote ballot, reflecting total member participation across Canada of 31.8%.

All AGM ballot items were passed, including the ordinary resolution to amend the current RIA bylaws to further formalize the process around nominations to the Board. As well, current RIA Chair Ian Robertson was re-elected for another 3-year term to serve as a Board Director. For further information, members can refer to the draft AGM minutes here.

Immediately following the AGM, the RIA Board met to formalize the re-appointment of Chair, Vice-Chair and Treasurer roles, as well as the new appointment of Lisa Becker in the role of RIA Secretary. RIA Board Executive positions are appointed for a 1-year term only and Directors may only serve in one Executive role for a maximum of 3 years. Below is a list of the current RIA Board Executive as well as a link here to the full list of the Board of Directors.

Chair – Ian Robertson, VP, Director, Portfolio Manager, Odlum Brown Ltd, Vancouver
Vice-Chair – Roger Beauchemin, President & CEO, Addenda Capital, Montreal
Treasurer – Alicja Brown, Investment Advisor, Remy Brown Investment Group / CIBC Wood Gundy, Edmonton
Secretary – Lisa Becker, COO & CCO, University of Toronto Asset Management Corporation, Toronto

Also following the AGM, RIA hosted the ESG Afterwork networking event “Women on Boards: An Update Since Comply or Explain Gender Disclosure Policy Came Into Effect,” sponsored by TD Bank. Attendees heard from TD’s Senior Economist Leslie Preston, who delivered an update on the impact of comply or explain gender disclosure policies. Photos of the event can be seen here.

For more information on TD’s research, see TD’s recent report: “Corporate Canada is Getting on Board”.

On May 29th, 2019 the RIA partnered with TD Bank for a night of cocktails and expert insights on the state of women on boards in Canada. We were pleased to welcome TD’s Senior Economist Leslie Preston, who discussed key findings from TD’s recent report “Corporate Canada is Getting on Board“. This event took place immediately following the RIA AGM.

Over 1,350 financial professionals have either earned an RI designation or are in line to earn one from the Responsible Investment Association

July 9, 2019 – Toronto – The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is pleased to announce an educational partnership with its new member, Aviso Wealth. Through this partnership, the RIA and Aviso will provide responsible investment (RI) training to 500 financial advisors and other professionals working in Canada’s credit union system. Learners will enroll in the Responsible Investment Specialist (RIS) program, which provides education on Canada’s retail RI market. 

Following this announcement, more than 1,350 financial professionals have either earned an RI designation or are in line to earn one from the RIA. 

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Aviso to support RI training in Canada’s credit union system,” said Dustyn Lanz, CEO of the Responsible Investment Association. “Canadian investors are increasingly interested in environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, and they want their advisors to be knowledgeable about RI. Educational partnerships like this are going to help catalyze the next wave of growth in Canada’s retail RI market.” 

“It’s an honour to partner with the RIA on this important advisor education initiative,” says David Bullock, SVP, CU Wealth Distribution for Aviso Wealth. “We look forward to promoting greater RI expertise among advisors in our network, so they in turn can guide credit union members toward appropriate RI solutions tailored to their wealth needs.”

As the RIA announced in April, other institutions are also committing to RI education. Desjardins recently committed to putting 500 of its representatives through the RIS program, while Vancity has enrolled more than 100 of its representatives. Assiniboine, Kindred, Libro, Servus, and other credit unions are also putting their investment teams through the RIS program, as a growing number of their members are seeking to align their portfolios with their values.

In addition to the RIS program, the RIA also offers the Responsible Investment Advisor Certification (RIAC) and Responsible Investment Professional Certification (RIPC) programs, which provide training in RI activities such as integrating ESG issues into financial models.

Learn more about RI training at riacanada.ca/training-certification.

About the Responsible Investment Association 

The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is a national membership association dedicated to advancing responsible investment (RI) in Canada. RIA members include asset management firms, financial institutions, investment advisors, service providers and asset owners such as foundations, pension funds and universities who practice and support RI. To learn more about the RIA, please visit www.riacanada.ca.

Media Enquiries 

Nick Buccheri, RIA Manager, Communications & Digital Media
+1 416-461-6042

What is sustainable finance, and what does the recent report from Canada’s Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance mean for advisors?

Among the many recommendations and policy proposals included in the report, three stand out as being particularly relevant to investment advisors.

1. Knowing your client’s sustainability preferences
2. More RRSP room and tax deductions for climate-conscious investments
3. Clarification of fiduciary duty in the context of climate change

Read the full article.

Employer: Responsible Investment Association (RIA)
Location: Downtown Toronto
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Application deadline: July 5th, 2019
Start date: Immediate

We are seeking a Bilingual Administrative Coordinator to support the RIA in our ongoing effort to promote responsible investing in Canada. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will join a small team of professionals working in a modern, startup-style environment. This is an entry level position with an opportunity to grow and develop your professional skills.

Responsibilities

Executive assistance

• Providing executive assistance to the CEO, including scheduling meetings, filing expenses, making travel arrangements, etc.

Administration

• Coordinating meetings and conference calls.
• Assisting with events and office administration.
• Translating smaller documents such as slide decks, articles, emails, and coordinating with our external translator on larger translation projects such as reports.
• Making bank deposits.
• Note-taking at meetings.
• Other administrative duties assigned by senior management.

Communications

• Assisting management with French-language enquiries.
• Assisting with digital tools such as online courses, surveys, shared calendars, mobile app, website, email software, etc.

Qualifications

Professional skills and experience

• 1-3 years of relevant work experience, ideally with an association or nonprofit organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in French and English.
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in business or a relevant field.
• Superior organizational and time-management skills.
• Tech-savvy: You are able to use and learn digital tools quickly.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Apple computers.
• Ability to manage a large volume of emails and prioritize associated tasks.

Personal qualifications

• You are passionate about societal issues such as sustainable development, human rights, diversity, good corporate governance, etc.
• You are an independent self-learner. If you don’t know how to do it, you figure it out and find a way to get it done.
• You are a highly adaptable team player – always ready to take on responsibilities both within and beyond your job description to contribute to the success of the organization.
• You maintain a standard of excellence in all of your work.
• You are professional in demeanor and presentation.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive salary for a nonprofit organization.
• Health and dental benefits after completing three-month probationary period.
• 6% RRSP contributions after one year of employment.
• Two weeks of paid vacation, plus the RIA office is closed between December 24th and January 1st which amounts to a total of three weeks of vacation per year.
• Work in a bright, modern office space in downtown Toronto with nearby access to public transit.
• Be part of a small team of investment professionals who are helping to create positive societal change in the investment industry!

To apply

• Please send your resume and cover letter as a single PDF to careers@riacanada.ca with the subject line, “Administrative Coordinator Position.” The filename of your PDF should follow the format, “FirstName_LastName_Application.”
• In your cover letter, please explain why you are interested in this position, and describe how your experience will help you to succeed in this role.

About the Responsible Investment Association (RIA)

The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is a national membership association dedicated to advancing responsible investment (RI) in Canada. RIA members include asset management firms, financial institutions, investment advisors, service providers and asset owners such as foundations, pension funds and universities who practice and support RI. To learn more about the RIA, please visit www.riacanada.ca.

Institutional investors welcome new report from Canada’s Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance

June 14, 2019 – Institutional investors are endorsing sustainable finance and welcoming a new report from Canada’s Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance.

The Expert Panel’s report includes fifteen recommendations to support the growth and development of sustainable finance in Canada. Sustainable finance refers to capital flows, risk management activities, and financial processes that incorporate environmental and social factors as a means of promoting sustainable economic growth and the long-term stability of the financial system¹.

The report has been welcomed by the Responsible Investment Association, a network of financial professionals and investment organizations representing more than C$12 trillion in assets under management.

“Prudent investors are always mindful of big changes that are happening in the market, and climate change is one of the biggest drivers of change in the global economy today,” said Dustyn Lanz, CEO of the Responsible Investment Association. “Investors need reliable information and a clear policy framework to better understand how climate change and other societal challenges could impact their portfolios. They also need a stable financial system in which to operate. The Expert Panel’s report marks an important step forward on all of those fronts.”

INSTITUTIONAL INVESTOR STATEMENTS:

The Co-operators Group Ltd.
“Climate change is the defining issue of our times. It has and will continue to impact the financial, social and environmental prosperity of current and future generations. As risk experts, we cannot turn a blind eye,” said Rob Wesseling, President and CEO of The Co-operators Group Limited. “Our mission is to provide financial security for Canadians and their communities, and therefore we must engage on topics that risk their security. We fully support the findings of the Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance, believing that Canadian financial institutions play a pivotal role in a smart transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.”

University of Toronto Asset Management Corporation
“We fully support the final report of the Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance, and we strongly believe in the benefits of integrating ESG considerations into our investment decisions,” said Daren M. Smith, President and Chief Investment Officer of University of Toronto Asset Management Corporation. “In order to do this, we need high quality, reliable data, and the panel’s recommendation to establish a Canadian Centre for Climate Information and Analytics would be an innovative step in this regard. Like the panel, we believe ‘climate change opportunity and risk management need to become business-as-usual in financial services, and embedded in everyday business decisions, products and services.’ In our view, this is just smart investing.”

Addenda Capital
“Addressing the long-term impacts of climate change and other sustainability challenges urgently requires courageous leadership from the Canadian business community,” said Roger Beauchemin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Addenda Capital. “The Expert Panel has delivered 15 recommendations that would help the financial sector further embed climate change and other sustainability considerations into everything we do. We call on our peers to join us in embracing these recommendations.”

NEI Investments
“We’ve long considered it our duty as responsible investors to help clients build a more sustainable future on the path to achieving their goals,” said Frederick M. Pinto, Senior Vice President and Head of Asset Management with NEI Investments. “The recommendations from the Expert Panel provide a strong foundation for doing that, with the potential for new investment opportunities and risk management tools. We intend to support and participate in their implementation in whatever ways make sense for our clients, their communities, and for Canada.”

RBC Global Asset Management
“Climate risk is one of the most pressing issues of our time, affecting almost all sectors and industries,” said Melanie Adams, VP & Head, Corporate Governance & Responsible Investment with RBC Global Asset Management. “We congratulate Canada’s Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance on its comprehensive report and in particular, its endorsement of thoughtful, consistent and comparable climate-related disclosures to enable investors to properly assess the climate-related risks and opportunities faced by companies.”

AGF Management Ltd.
“There’s never been more evidence that sustainability can create long-term value for shareholders, while also contributing to a better environment, healthier communities and good corporate governance practices,” said Kevin McCreadie, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of AGF Management Limited. “As a leader in the development of sustainable investing initiatives, a sustaining member of the Responsible Investment Association (RIA) and signatory to the UNPRI, we continue to support the growth and development of sustainable finance in Canada through our participation in developing standards and best practices within our industry.”

Desjardins Group
“As Canada’s leading cooperative financial group, Desjardins is proud to contribute to Canada’s sustainable finance market and was pleased to offer input to the Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance,” said Gregory Chrispin, Executive Vice-President, Wealth Management and Life and Health Insurance with Desjardins Group. “Desjardins has been offering responsible investment funds to its members and clients since 1990, an offer that has been evolving ever since to better meet investors’ needs. We firmly believe that sustainable finance is an important lever to Canada’s sustainable prosperity.”

¹ Government of Canada (2018). Interim Report of the Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance. http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2018/eccc/En4-350-1-2018-eng.pdf

About the Responsible Investment Association
The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is a Canadian network of more than 300 institutional investors and investment professionals who practice and support responsible investing. The RIA’s institutional members collectively manage more than $12 trillion in assets. To learn more about the RIA, please visit www.riacanada.ca.

Media Enquiries
Nick Buccheri, Manager, Communications and Digital Media, RIA
+1 416-461-6042

June 12, 2019 – Toronto – The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is pleased to announce that Hexavest has joined the RIA as an Associate Member.

“It is my pleasure to welcome Hexavest as an Associate Member of the Responsible Investment Association,” said Dustyn Lanz, Chief Executive Officer of the RIA. “We share Hexavest’s view that sound management of environmental, social and governance factors can create long-term value for shareholders, and we look forward to collaborating with them in 2019 and beyond.”

The RIA is Canada’s industry association dedicated to advancing responsible investment, which refers to the incorporation of ESG factors into the selection and management of investments. RIA membership has grown rapidly in recent years as investors increasingly seek investments that align with their values and manage exposure to ESG risks and opportunities. According to research published by the RIA $2.1 trillion are invested responsible in Canada, equal to more than 50% of professionally managed AUM in Canada.

“Everyone at Hexavest shares the conviction that companies lacking strong governance standards or social and environmental responsibility are taking business risks that could adversely affect their stock’s performance,” said Marc Christopher Lavoie, President and co-founder of Hexavest. “Because our investment philosophy is strongly geared towards capital protection, the consideration of ESG factors is a natural fit with investment process. We are proud to join the RIA’s network and look forward to working with other investors to promote more sustainable and responsible investment practices.”

Hexavest is a boutique-style Canadian investment firm, specialized in global equity management for an institutional clientele. It offers a reading of the markets through a top-down approach that includes active currency management. Hexavest also analyses macroeconomic factors and puts investment in an economic and geopolitical context. Hexavest was founded in 2004 and manages $20.2 billion of assets for investors located in Canada, United States, Europe and Asia Pacific as of April 30, 2018.

About Responsible Investment Association
The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is Canada’s membership association for Responsible Investment (RI). Members include mutual fund companies, financial institutions, asset management firms, advisors, consultants, investment research firms, asset owners, individual investors and others interested in RI. Our members believe that the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into the selection and management of investments can provide superior risk adjusted returns and positive societal impact. To learn more about the RIA, please visit www.riacanada.ca.

Media Enquiries
Nick Buccheri, Manager, Communications and Digital Media, RIA, +1 416-461-6042

June XX, 2019 – Toronto – The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is pleased to announce that FÉRIQUE Fund Management has joined the RIA as an Associate Member.

“We are delighted to welcome Gestion Férique as an Associate Member of the Responsible Investment Association,” said Dustyn Lanz, Chief Executive Officer of the RIA. “Gestion Férique is a longtime supporter of responsible investment and shareholder engagement, and we look forward to working with them to grow responsible investment in Canada.”

The RIA is Canada’s industry association dedicated to advancing responsible investment, which refers to the incorporation of ESG factors into the selection and management of investments. RIA membership has grown rapidly in recent years as investors increasingly seek investments that align with their values and manage exposure to ESG risks and opportunities. According to research published by the RIA $2.1 trillion are invested responsible in Canada, equal to more than 50% of professionally managed AUM in Canada.

“In 2006, FÉRIQUE Fund Management developed its Responsible Investment Policy on exercising FÉRIQUE Funds’ proxy voting rights, making it one of Quebec’s first mutual fund companies to address the issue of responsible investment”, said Louis Lizotte, Vice President, Investments at FÉRIQUE Fund Management. “This first initiative led FÉRIQUE Fund Management to sign the Declaration of Institutional Investors on Climate-Related Financial Risks. Joining the Responsible Investment Association was a natural progression, as it falls in line with FÉRIQUE Fund Management’s investment approach, which aims to align clients’ financial interests with the issues related to ESG factors. It is, therefore, with great enthusiasm that we are entering this affiliation.”

FÉRIQUE Fund Management is the manager of the FÉRIQUE Funds, launched in 1974 by the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec. The firm offers 10 mutual funds and 5 portfolios diversified across all asset classes. FÉRIQUE Funds have more than $2.8 billion in assets under management and close to 22,000 unitholders as of March 31st, 2019.

About Responsible Investment Association
The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is Canada’s membership association for Responsible Investment (RI). Members include mutual fund companies, financial institutions, asset management firms, advisors, consultants, investment research firms, asset owners, individual investors and others interested in RI. Our members believe that the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into the selection and management of investments can provide superior risk adjusted returns and positive societal impact. To learn more about the RIA, please visit www.riacanada.ca.

Media Enquiries
Nick Buccheri, Manager, Communications and Digital Media, RIA, +1 416-461-6042

 

June 6th, 2019 – Toronto – The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is pleased to announce that Sprott Inc. has joined the RIA as an Associate Member.

“We are delighted to welcome Sprott Inc. as an Associate Member of the Responsible Investment Association,” said Dustyn Lanz, Chief Executive Officer of the RIA. “We applaud their commitment to incorporating ESG analysis into their investments in precious metals and real assets, and we look forward to working with them to advance responsible investing in Canada.”

The RIA is Canada’s industry association dedicated to advancing responsible investment, which refers to the incorporation of ESG factors into the selection and management of investments. RIA membership has grown rapidly in recent years as investors increasingly seek investments that align with their values and manage exposure to ESG risks and opportunities. According to research published by the RIA $2.1 trillion are invested responsible in Canada, equal to more than 50% of professionally managed AUM in Canada.

“We’re delighted to become an Associate Member of the RIA,” said Ahsan Ahmed, Sprott’s Head of ESG. “Sprott is dedicated to responsible investing and has integrated a full ESG analysis into its investment decision making process. We believe active ESG ownership practices are key tenets to being a responsible investor.”

“We view this partnership as an important step towards enhancing our existing ESG program whilst at the same time letting our clients know that Sprott is committed to the highest ESG standards within the mining and asset management industries,” added Peter Grosskopf, CEO of Sprott.

Sprott is a global asset manager providing investors with access to differentiated precious metals and real assets investment strategies. Sprott’s investment products include physical bullion trusts, mining ETFs, as well as private equity and debt strategies. Sprott serves over 200,000 global clients and has approximately CAD$10 billion (USD$8 billion) in assets under management as of December 31st, 2018.

About Responsible Investment Association
The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is Canada’s membership association for Responsible Investment (RI). Members include mutual fund companies, financial institutions, asset management firms, advisors, consultants, investment research firms, asset owners, individual investors and others interested in RI. Our members believe that the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into the selection and management of investments can provide superior risk adjusted returns and positive societal impact. To learn more about the RIA, please visit www.riacanada.ca.

Media Enquiries
Nick Buccheri, Manager, Communications and Digital Media, RIA, +1 416-461-6042