Category: News

Congratulations to Canada’s newest recipients of the RIA’s financial credentials in recognition of expertise in responsible investing. View a full list of RIA credential holders here.

Learn more about the RIA’s training and credentials here.

Emie Adarlo (RIS), Vancity
Michael Alexander Klasz (RIS), Canada LIfe
Jason Arden (RIS), Cooperators
Connor Beck (RIS), Aviso Wealth
Malik Besseghieur (RIS), iA Clarington Investments
Jean-Pascal Bruneau (RIS), GESTION DE CAPITAL ASSANTE LTÉE
Mary Ellen Byrne (RIS), TD Wealth
Aymara Castillo Alvarez (RIS), Vancity
Marcus Cheuk-wang Chan (RIS), Vancity
Alex Chima (RIS), Vancity
Michael Deane (RIS), iA Clarington Investments
Carson Dixon (RIPC)
Rabinder Dosanjh Sangha (RIS), Vancity
Jean-Michel Duguay (RIS), GESTION FÉRIQUE
Mélanie Emond (RIS)
Samantha Evans (RIS), Synergy Credit Union
Eryka Fain-Sonya (RIS), Vancity
Glavin Ivan Fernandes (RIS), Vancity
Robin Fromont (RIS), Desjardins
Bryan Gagné-Henry (RIS), Services D’investissement Férique
Anchal Gupta (RIS), Affinity Wealth Management
Xuan Chi Han Nguyen (RIS), Conseillère en sécurité financière
Jackie Harnock (RIS), Kawartha Credit Union
Reagan Hughes (RIS), Servus Wealth Strategies
Mathieu Janelle (RIS), MonConseiller.ca Inc.
Rachel Jean (RIS), Desjardins Caisse de Limoilou
Razan Kanan (RIS), Vancity
Mehtab Kaur Kang (RIS), Vancity
Britney Kjemhus (RIS), Credential Asset Management
Carey Kominetsky (RIS), FirstOntario Credit Union
Stephanie Kotsopoulos-Rupnarain (RIS), Basis Wealth
Ellie Lane (RIS), Vancity Savings Credit Union
Robert Lauzon (RIAC)
Craig LeBlanc (RIS), Investia Financial Services Inc.
John Leroux (RIS)
Karissa Little (RIS), Diamond North Credit Union
Chang Liu (RIS), Brompton Funds
Lei Liu (RIS), Vancity Credit Union
Adoum Mahamat Djibrine (RIS), Desjardins
Naresh Mangal (RIAC)
Kateryna McVeigh (RIS), Servus Credit Union/Credential Asset Management
Pamela Miller (RIS), Kindred Credit
Colin Reid Montgomery (RIS), Edward Jones
Rebecca Moss (RIS), Meridian
Bonnie Naccarato (RIS), SISIP Financial
Valerie Pelletier (RIS), Credential Asset Management Inc.
Crystal Phelps (RIS), Northern Credit Union
Jakob Reichert (RIS), JGA Wealth Group
Paul Rivard (RIPC)
Enrika Rodrigue (RIS), NEI investments
Thomas B. Russell (RIS), Four Points Financial Solutions Inc.
Tan Singo Olivier (RIS), Uni Coopération Financière
Jonathon Stoyanovski (RIS), Southlake Wealth & Estate Group
Velvette Suteau (RIS), Affinity Credit Union
Ida Terpening (RIS), Vancity Credit Union / Credential Asset Management
Cynthia Toupin (RIS), Financière Banque Nationale
Kyle Truan-Olsen (RIS), FirstOntario
Aspi Ustad (RIS), Vancity
Lindsay Wallace (RIPC)
William Whitehead (RIS), Vancity/Credential Asset Management
Brittany Wolff (RIS), Manulife Securities Inc.
Chia Yuan Wang (RIS), Vancity Credit Union

Congratulations to Canada’s newest recipients of the RIA’s financial credentials in recognition of expertise in responsible investing. View a full list of RIA credential holders here.

Learn more about the RIA’s training and credentials here.

Taylor Alber (RIS), FirstOntario Credit Union
Christophe Anctil-Bellavance (RIS), Vizés-Cantin Gagnon Inc.
Rishi Batish (RIS), Vancity credit union
Stéphanie Boivin (RIS), Vizés-Cantin Gagnon Inc.
Tori Both (RIS), Scotia Wealth Management
Franco Chan (RIS), Vancity
Rafael Chavez-Alcorta (RIS), CI Assante Wealth Management Ltd.
Emilie Côté (RIS), Vizés-Cantin Gagnon Inc.
Karina Couture (RIS), Groupe De Vimy
Christiane Cusson (RIS), Caisse Desjardins des Patriotes
Dominic Desbiens (RIS), Conseiller financier et CPA
Julie Desmarais (RIS), Caisse Desjardins des Patriotes
Lucie Despins (RIS), Caisse Desjardins des Patriotes
Patricia Domingo (RIAC)
Justin Downing (RIS), Manulife Securities Inc.
Sanjeev Duggal (RIS), Investia Financial Services Inc.
Giorgio El-Nacouzi (RIS), Aviso
Yiyuan Elena Qi (RIS), Vancity
J.W. (Joe) Flynn (RIS), AiiM Financial
France-Emilie Girard-Richard (RIS), Continuum Financial Centres
Puneet Grewal (RIS), Vancity
David Humphries (RIS),
Dominic Lapointe (RIS), Groupe De Vimy
Sylvie Larivée Larivée (RIS), Caisse des Patriotes
Adrian LeRoy (RIS), LeRoy Wealth Management Group at IPC Securities Corporation
Kade Liska (RIS), Scotia Wealth Management
Thomas G Liska (RIS), Scotia Wealth Management
Kim Anh Nguyen (RIAC)
Adam Olgui (RIS), Vancity
Eren Olgun (RIS), Vancity
Mathieu Ouellette (RIAC)
Baris Ozyetis (RIS), Mackenzie Investments
Santosh Rajan (RIS), Vancity
Joel Robinson (RIPC)
Nicolas Samaan (RIS), Services d’investissement FERIQUE
Andreas Saratsiotis (RIS), AiiM Financial
Justine Serra (RIS), Caisse Desjardins de Limoilou
Eric Shennan (RIS), Fidelity Investments Canada
Sarah Smith (RIS), Kawartha Credit Union
Johanne Tranquille (RIS), Marcolin & Associés division Diversico
Michael White (RIS), CU Financial Management
Tommy Williamson (RIS), Gestion Financière Williamson

Highlights from Q4 2021

• For the quarter ending December 31, 2021, just over one-half of all responsible investment (RI) funds domiciled in Canada outperformed the average return in their respective asset class categories.
• Estimated net asset flows to Canada-domiciled RI funds in 2021 were significantly positive. In the fourth quarter, RI flows totalled $1.8 Billion, bringing total RI flows for the year to $12 Billion.
• Eleven new RI products were launched in the fourth quarter, of which 5 were ETFs and 6 were mutual funds. In 2021, 73 new RI funds launched compared to 42 new RI funds in 2020.

RI Fund Performance

According to data provided by Morningstar, just over one-half (54%) of all Canadian RI funds (including RI mutual funds and ETFs) outperformed the average return in their respective asset class category during the quarter ending December 31, 2021. For the full calendar year, a smaller proportion (42%) of Canadian RI funds outperformed their average asset class return.

Canadian RI funds performed well over the medium- to long-term periods reviewed in this report, relative to the average return of their asset class peers. As of December 31, 2021, 60% of the RI funds out-performed their average asset class return over the previous three years, and a similar percentage (59%) outperformed their average asset class return over the previous five years. One-half (50%) of the RI funds outperformed their average asset class return over the ten years ending December 31, 2021.

The following charts provide a quick overview of notable RI fund performance relative to their asset class peers, in the fourth quarter of 2021 and over longer time periods.

Canadian Equity

In the Canadian Equity fund class, the average RI fund return slightly outperformed the overall average return in the fourth quarter 2021. Over one-half (58%) of RI funds outperformed the average asset class return over the 12-month period ending December 31, 2021. The majority of the RI funds in this category outperformed their average asset class returns over their respective 3-year, 5- year and 10-year periods reviewed in this report.

Global Equity

In the Global Equity fund class, a majority of the RI funds (57%) outperformed the average asset class return in the fourth quarter of 2021. For the 12 months ending December 31, 2021, 52% of the RI funds in this category outperformed the average asset class return. Over the 3-year, 5- year and 10-year periods reviewed in this report, the majority of the RI funds in this category outperformed the average asset class return.

Global Fixed Income

In the Global Fixed Income fund class, the average RI fund performed in line with the category’s average return in the fourth quarter of 2021 and for the full year ending December 31, 2021. In the 3-year period reviewed in this report, the majority (87%) of the RI funds in this category outperformed the average asset class return, and two-thirds of the RI funds outperformed the average asset class return over the 5 years ending December 31, 2021.

Global Equity Balanced

In the Global Equity Balanced fund class, 70% of the RI funds outperformed the average asset class return in the fourth quarter. One-quarter of the RI funds outperformed the average asset class return over the year ending December 31, 2021, while 63% of the RI funds outperformed the average asset class return over the 3-year period. The majority of the RI funds out- performed the average asset class return over the five-year period ending December 31, 2021.

Note: For the purpose of this report, RI funds include those that are marketed as responsible investments with RI strategies/policies disclosed in regulatory documents. Average asset class return includes RI and non-RI funds. Only the oldest share class of RI funds were included in the analysis against category averages. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized.

RI Fund Flows

Net asset flows for Canada-domiciled RI mutual funds and ETFs, estimated by Morningstar, were strongly positive throughout 2021. Total estimated flows amounted to $1.8 Billion for Q4, bringing year-to-date flows to a record $12 Billion.

Canadian RI Mutual Fund and ETF Estimated Net Flows, Active & Passive

Source: Morningstar Direct. Data as of December 31, 2021. Excludes fund of funds.

RI Product Launches

According to Morningstar, 11 new RI funds and ETFs were launched in the fourth quarter of 2021. For the calendar year 2021, a total of 73 RI products were launched, outpacing the 42 RI products launched in 2020.

Canadian RI Mutual Fund and ETF Launches

Source: Morningstar Direct. Data as of December 31, 2021.

 

Download Q4 2021 Highlights PDF.

RIA Members can download the full report by logging in to their account and accessing Member Resources.

Data provided by

©2021 Morningstar. All Rights Reserved. The information contained herein: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

---

Disclosure
The information contained in this report is for educational and general information purposes only. The information contained herein does not constitute advice nor does it constitute an offering of securities or any advertisement for the offering of securities. You should not act or rely on the information without seeking professional advice. While we believe the information to be reliable [and endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct], we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, timeliness, suitability or availability with respect to the report or the information, products, services or related graphics contained in the report for any purpose. The RIA does not endorse, recommend or guarantee any investment products listed in the report.

Congratulations to Canada’s newest recipients of the RIA’s financial credentials in recognition of expertise in responsible investing. View a full list of RIA credential holders here.

Learn more about the RIA’s training and credentials here.

David Dawson Humes (RIS), IA Financial Services Inc
Sanjay Gupta (RIS), Mode Money Managers Inc
Yuliana Kolimechkova (RIS), Desjardins
Vincent Lafortune (RIS), Caisse Desjardins du Centre-est de Montreal
Andy Li (RIS), Vancouver City Savings Credit Union
Chang Liu (RIS), BMO
Yacob Nour (RIS), Assante / Gestion Mondiale d’actifs CI
Jerry Ohio (RIS), Alterna Savings
Cédric Rioux (RIS), RGP Investissements
Mathieu Roy (RIS), Assante
Stephane Sigouin (RIS), Autonome- Investia
Joann Pura Villajin (RIS), Vancity/Credential
Ron Walker (RIS), Meridian Credit Union
Nadine Wilson (RIS), Synergy Credit Union Ltd.

We’re pleased to announce the judges of the 2022 RIA Leadership Awards! The Awards will recognize the outstanding contributions of our members to responsible investment in Canada.

The panel of judges is composed of experts from across the industry including financial advisors, consultants, asset managers, asset owners, journalists, and academics.

Meet the Judges

Amr Addas – Adjunct Professor and Director of the Van Berkom Investment Management Program, John Molson School of Business, Concordia University

Amr Addas is an Adjunct Professor and Director of the Van Berkom Investment Management Program and Van Berkom Small Cap Case Competition at the John Molson School of Business, Concordia University. He leads Concordia’s Sustainable Investing Practicum in collaboration with Manulife. Learn More

Patti Dolan – Senior Wealth Advisor, Portfolio Manager, Wagner Investment Management Team, Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc.

Patti Dolan is portfolio manager with Wellington-Altus Private Wealth, based in Calgary. Patti has been in the investment industry for over 30 years and has practiced Responsible Investing (RI) since 1995. Learn More

Pablo Fuchs – Globe Advisor Editor, The Globe and Mail

Pablo Fuchs is editor of Globe Advisor at The Globe and Mail, a position he has held since January 2019. He oversees the editorial direction and manages the production of daily content for the Globe’s direct-to-advisor offering. Learn More

Christian Hansen – Compliance and Revenue Manager, The Real Estate Foundation of BC

Christian has worked for the past 12 years at the Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia where he oversees the revenue streams and investments of the Foundation. Learn More

Emily Lawrence – Director, Sustainable Investing, Northern Trust Asset Management

Emily Lawrence is Director of Sustainable Investing Client Engagement for North America at Northern Trust Asset Management where she is responsible for client engagement and partnership regarding Northern Trusts’ sustainable investing capabilities. Learn More

Michelle McCulloch – Director, Research Products, Sustainalytics

Michelle leads the Thematic Research Team within Research Products at Sustainalytics and is also a leader on the Enhanced Research Team. She has been a sector manager leading both the Financials research team and the Extractives research team. Learn More

Jean-Philippe Renaut – CEO, Æquo

Jean-Philippe Renaut joined Æquo in 2016 and a year later became its CEO. He is responsible for client relations, business development and operations, and leads specific dialogues with companies on behalf of Æquo’s clients. Learn More

Mark Sevestre – President, National Aboriginal Trust Officers Association

In 2006, Mark became one of three founding members of the National Aboriginal Trust Officers Association. Serving in several roles, including Board Member, Committee Chairman and President, Mark is currently serving as Founder and Senior Advisor to NATOA. Learn More

Melissa Shin – Editorial Director, Advisor’s Edge and Investment Executive

Melissa Shin is the Editorial Director at Advisor’s Edge and Investment Executive with Newcom Media Inc. As an award-winning journalist and the editorial director of four national financial services publications, Melissa turns technical subject matter into accessible content for sophisticated audiences. Learn More

Sarah Takaki – Head of Sustainable Investing, Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

Sarah Takaki is the Head of Sustainable Investing at the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), where she leads the Sustainable Investing program. Learn More

Stephen Whipp – Senior Investment Advisor, Certified Responsible Investment Specialist, Leede Jones Gable Inc.

Stephen Whipp is an activist and a passionate guy. He believes that individuals working together really can change the world for the better. With a background in journalism and non-profit management that includes aboriginal governance, and more than 20 years as a successful investment advisor, Steve brings a potent combination of experience, knowledge and connections to the table. Learn More

Congratulations to Canada’s newest recipients of the RIA’s financial credentials in recognition of expertise in responsible investing. View a full list of RIA credential holders here.

Learn more about the RIA’s training and credentials here.

Eric Ayala (RIS), Desjardins
Max Becker-Pos (RIS), Prometheus Private Advisory Group
Amberle A Benoit (RIS), Synergy Credit Union
Azarnoush Bordbar (RIS), VANCITY CREDIT UNION
Youcef Bouhallel (RIS), BANQUE LAURETIENNE
André-Phillippe Caissie (RIS), CIBC Wood Gundy
Marlene Da Costa (RIS), Continuum Financial Centres
Steve Delemere (RIS), Desjardins
Natalie Desjardins (RIS), Alterna Savings
Charles Eddy (RIS), Sterling Mutuals Inc.
Charles-Antoine Faubert (RIS), Mica Capital
Jérémie Gauthier (RIS), Hudon & Gauthier
Carol Hosein (RIS), Investia Financial Services Inc.
Anne-Marie Hudon (RIS), Hudon & Gauthier
Ian Janacek (RIAC)
Alissa Keer (RIS), Synergy Credit Union
Yuriy Kovalyov (RIS), Desjardins Financial Security Investments Inc.
George Kover (RIS), Vancity
Stephen Lai (RIS)
Nancy Lai (RIS), Vancity
Shui Hong (Rex) Lam (RIS), Vancity
Martez Dwayne Lambert (RIS), HUB Capital / EasyInsure
Runald Ledda (RIS), Vancity Credit Union
Andrew Mitchell (RIS), SEI Investments
Beverly Mosher (RIS), ScotiaMcLeod
Burke Mudge (RIS), Manulife Securities Incorporated
Anne-Sophie Pettigrew Laberge (RIS), Desjardins
Michael Powell (RIS), Meridian Credit Union
Hardeep Sappal (RIS), Vancity
Doussou Sidibé (RIS), Desjardins
Kate Thompson (RIS), Rock Thompson
Claudine Uzcategui (RIS), Fidelity Investments
Kevin G Walter (RIS), Investia Financial Services
Jamie West (RIS), Libro Credit Union

Congratulations to Canada’s newest recipients of the RIA’s financial credentials in recognition of expertise in responsible investing. View a full list of RIA credential holders here.

Learn more about the RIA’s training and credentials here.

Robert Anderson (RIS), Aspire Financial Group Inc
Martin Anderson (RIS), Investia Financial Services Inc
Beatriz Barahona (RIS), Mouvement Desjardins
Mike Basque (RIS), CU Financial Management
Sebastian Beckett (RIS), Fidelity Investments Canada
Allison Blackshaw (RIS), RBC Dominion Securities
Yann Bourgoin (RIS), Services Financiers Yann Bourgoin Inc.
Janet Bradley (RIS), Servus Credit Union
Helen Mercedes Brown (RIS), HMB Financial Freedom
Benoit Campeau-Hunziker (RIS), Desjardins
Doug Carroll (RIS), Aviso Wealth
Cody Cartier (RIS), Invesco
Arthur Cavasin (RIS), CIBC Asset Management
Dorian Chin (RIAC)
Jacques Côté (RIS), SFL placement
Jaden De Pastena (RIS), Assante Capital Management
Jake N Earle (RIS), Sun Life
Marc-André Fournier (RIS), Services Financiers Marc-André Fournier Inc.
Harsh Bipin Fozdar (RIS), Vancity
Jeff Greenfeld (RIS), IA Private Wealth
Harpinder Grewal (RIS), Vancity Credit Union
David Craig Gunn (RIS), CUFM
Aric Hermelin (RIS), Worldsource Wealth Management
Brian Himmelman (RIS), Himmelman & Associates Financial Advisors Inc.
Stephen Horwood (RIS), Investia Financial Services
Tyler Iwanson (RIS), Sun Life
Manny Khatra (RIS), Vancity Savings Credit Union
Cheryl Kirschman (RIS), Credential Securities
Sajan Kunnambath (RIS), Connect First Wealth
Debbie LaFleur (RIS), Meridian Credit Union
Eric Lampron (RIS)
Raphael Lapalu (RIS), Sun Life
Mélanie Lemay (RIS), Caisse Desjardins du Nord du Lac-St-Jean
Maxwell Lepa (RIS), Aviso Wealth
Joseph Allan MacDonald (RIS), CU Financial Management
Adam Malcolm (RIS), IG Wealth Management
Sidharth Malhotra (RIS), DUCA Financial Credit Union
Nelson Martins (RIS), Sintra Wealth Inc.
Brian McOstrich (RIS), Aviso Wealth
Danielle Michaud (RIPC)
Brett Morden (RIS), Invesco Canada
Tayler Mullen (RIPC), Credit Union Wealth Management with Aviso Wealth
Yali N’Diaye (RIPC)
Paul Neto (RIPC), Avisio
Dale Nguyen (RIS), Coast Capital Wealth Management
Chi Nguyen (RIS), Coast Capital Savings
Josselyn Marie Nichols (RIS), Investia Financial Services
Vickie Normandeau-Halde (RIS), Desjardins
Timos Patterson (RIS), Libro Credit Union
Mathieu Poirier (RIS), Investia services financiers
Karim Rajan (RIS), CREDENTIAL ASSET MANAGEMENT
Julia Raseta (RIPC), Avisio
Joel Robinson (RIS), NEI Investments
Chantal Rodigue (RIS), EPV Services Financiers inc.
Emma Rowatt (RIS), Fidelity Investments Canada
Michael Rubinstein (RIS), Rubinstein Financial Management
Mary Jill Saunders (RIS), Investia Financial Services Inc.
Adam Christopher Seeto (RIS), Sterling Mutuals Inc.
Farhan Siddiqui (RIS), Meridian Credit Union
Dylan Spence (RIPC)
Adrianna St. Denis (RIS), Vancity Credit Union
Cortni Stothers (RIS), Meridian Credit Union
Katherine Strobl (RIS), CIBC Private Wealth
Nicky Tahil (RIS), RBC Dominion Securities
Deborah Taylor (RIS), Investia Financial Services Inc.
Rae Tench (RIS), CU FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Anthony Thérien (RIS), Desjardins
Donald L. Thierry (RIS), Investia Financial Services Inc.
Sophie Touchette (RIS), Caisse Financial Group
Xin Wang (RIS), Amerity Wealth Management Inc.
John Willis (RIS), Meridian Credit Union
Jessica Youwe (RIPC)

Many advisors expressed concerns about greenwashing and lack of standardization

TORONTO – January 20th, 2022 – The vast majority of Canadian financial advisors are comfortable discussing environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues with clients, but advisors’ knowledge of the subject matter is limited, according to a new survey from the Responsible Investment Association (RIA). 

The 2021 RIA Advisor Opinion Survey, which is based on a Newcom Media poll of 539 financial advisors in Canada, found that 85% of the advisors surveyed said they’re very or somewhat comfortable starting a conversation about responsible investment (RI), which refers to investments that incorporate ESG issues. However, the results show that advisors’ knowledge of the subject is low, as only 6% of respondents correctly identified 3 true statements out of 10 statements about RI. Moreover, some advisors appear to be overestimating their knowledge, as nearly one-fifth of advisors who claimed to have excellent or very good knowledge of RI failed to correctly identify any of the 3 true statements about RI in the same assessment. 

The survey, sponsored by Mackenzie Investments, NEI Investments and Vancity, found that environmental issues top the list of concerns for advisors’ clients. In a year that saw an international focus on net zero emissions and climate change at COP26, 84% of advisors reported that environmental topics are the most important ESG issues among their clients.

Many advisors shared concerns about RI, which may be preventing them from initiating RI-related conversations. For example, 81% of respondents expressed concern about greenwashing, and 74% expressed concern about lack of standards. Many advisors left comments indicating that standardization around responsible investments would help them to overcome these concerns.

“We are encouraged to find that so many advisors are willing to have a conversation about RI with their clients,” said Mary Robinson, Director of Research and Membership with the RIA. “But this research also shows that education is critical. Many leading advisors have taken the leap and undergone formal training in RI, and we hope this research encourages many more to do so.” 

“We are proud to be the lead sponsor of the RIA’s inaugural Advisor Opinion Survey. Financial advisors play a significant role in Canada’s financial systems by ensuring the financial health of Canadian investors,” said Fate Saghir, Senior Vice President, Head of Sustainability at Mackenzie Investments. “We need to understand the challenges and opportunities that exist for advisors in incorporating responsible investing into their client conversations. We are thankful to all the respondents to the survey; the insights reinforce the much-needed work required to further awareness, understanding, and adoption of responsible investments.”

“We’ve known for a long time just how important it is for advisors to have informed, meaningful RI conversations with their clients,” said Frederick M. Pinto, SVP and Head of Asset Management at Aviso Wealth, the parent company of NEI, “That’s why we’ve stepped up our efforts to help them incorporate RI into their businesses and deliver unique RI insights. They shouldn’t have to do this alone.”

“With interest in sustainable investing growing and more products entering the market to meet demand, advisors must be able to guide their clients competently and with confidence. This is why all of Vancity’s advisors complete the Responsible Investment Specialist (RIS) designation through the RIA,” said Joe Reid, Vice President, Wealth Management and Impact Investing at Vancity. “We are pleased to support the RIA on this research which provides valuable insights for advisors and investment firms.”

Highlights:

• 85% of advisors said they’re very or somewhat comfortable starting a conversation about RI, while 15% indicated they’re not comfortable doing so.
• Among advisors who have discussed ESG or RI with clients, 37% reported that they usually initiate the conversations, while 32% indicated that the client does so, and 31% said that they and their clients start these conversations equally.
• 94% of advisors who said their RI knowledge is excellent or very good also said they are comfortable starting RI-related discussions. In comparison, only 35% of advisors who described their knowledge as poor said they are comfortable taking the lead.
• Some advisors appear to be overestimating their knowledge. Advisors’ demonstrable knowledge was similar regardless of their self-assessed knowledge levels. Of those advisors who said their RI knowledge was excellent or very good, one-fifth did not correctly identify 3 true statements out of 10 statements about RI.
• 84% of advisors reported that environmental matters (such as climate change, biodiversity, and toxic waste) are the most important ESG issues for their clients.
• Advisors who have discussed ESG or RI with their clients cited various reasons, including client interest (41%), the desire to make suitable investment recommendations (25%), their sense of fiduciary duty (12%), and to distinguish their practice and services (12%).
• Many advisors also shared concerns about RI, which may be preventing them from initiating RI-related conversations. For example, 81% of respondents expressed concern about greenwashing, and 74% expressed concern about lack of standards. Many advisors left comments indicating that standardization around responsible investments would help them to overcome their concerns.

View the full report here.

About the RIA Advisor Opinion Survey
The RIA published the 2021 RIA Advisor Opinion Survey to better understand the RI landscape among Canadian financial advisors. The survey is based on data collected by Newcom Media from 539 Canadian financial advisors in September, 2021. For the purposes of this research, “financial advisor” includes the following categories: “financial advisor” (68% of respondents), “investment advisor / full-service broker” (25% of respondents), and “advisor with a bank branch / trust company / credit union” (7% of respondents). All respondents reported being registered with at least one regulator. The results are considered accurate to within +/-3.5%, with 90% certainty. 

About the Responsible Investment Association (RIA)
The RIA is Canada’s industry association for responsible investment (RI). The RIA aims to drive the growth and development of RI in Canada, with a vision to align capital with sustainable and inclusive development as codified in the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The RIA’s membership includes asset managers, asset owners, advisors, and service providers. Learn more at www.riacanada.ca.

Media Contacts
Nick Buccheri
Director, Operations
Responsible Investment Association
+1 416-461-6042

Toronto, Ontario – January 18, 2022 – The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Patricia (Pat) Fletcher as incoming Chief Executive Officer, effective February 7, 2022. Patricia will succeed former CEO Dustyn Lanz, following a successful four-year tenure in the role and eight years of service to the organization.

“The past few years have been a transformative period for responsible investing and for the RIA. Our organization has demonstrated strong momentum of growth in terms of membership, staff and meaningful industry impact,” said Roger Beauchemin, Board Chair, Responsible Investment Association. “Pat brings the proven leadership skills and experience needed to help the RIA advance and build on that momentum. My fellow Directors and I welcome her as CEO and look forward to working with her and the broader team to achieve the RIA’s mission and vision.”

Patricia joins the RIA most recently from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) where she served as Vice President, Education, and previously held senior roles at the Canadian Institute, the Hay Group and the Institute for International Research. She is an accomplished executive in the corporate governance and continuing education industries with more than 20 years of experience in leading commercial information businesses and teams committed to creating content that is impactful and of value, combined with a track record of growing revenues and optimizing operations for success.

“There are few more dynamic conversations than sustainable finance and the role capital can play in Canada’s just transition to a net zero economy,” said Patricia Fletcher, incoming RIA CEO. “I am thrilled to be joining the RIA and working with the membership, leadership team and board to lead the organization during this exciting phase of market development and growth.”

The RIA’s leadership transition is taking place following several years of membership and program growth. Patricia will lead the RIA team towards continued success in pursuit of the RIA’s mission to grow responsible investment (RI) in Canada by advancing the policy and regulatory environment, deepening industry education, and supporting market development, as presented in its five strategic priorities:

• EDUCATE – Promoting RI education for the industry and the broader market.
• CATALYZE – Catalyzing market development and promoting market integrity.
• ADVOCATE – Advancing a policy/regulatory environment that is conducive to RI.
• BUILD – Building its brand and reputation as the hub and leading voice for RI in Canada.
• GROW – Growing its financial and human capital resources to strengthen its capacity.

About the Responsible Investment Association (RIA)

The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is Canada’s industry association for responsible investment (RI). The RIA aims to drive the growth and development of RI in Canada, with a vision to align capital with sustainable and inclusive development as codified in the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our members include asset managers, asset owners, advisors, and service providers who support these objectives. Learn more at www.riacanada.ca. 

Media Contacts
Nick Buccheri
Director, Operations
Responsible Investment Association
+1 416-461-6042

Congratulations to Canada’s newest recipients of the RIA’s financial credentials in recognition of expertise in responsible investing. View a full list of RIA credential holders here.

Learn more about the RIA’s training and credentials here.

Fornia Lau (RIS), Aviso Wealth
Selina Liang (RIS), Vancity
Gaurav Ahuja (RIS), Vancity
John Allen (RIS), R. Howard Webster Foundation
Ethan John Aquilina (RIS), Clay Seabrook Insurance Agency Ltd
Howard Arcand (RIS), Investia Financial Service
Gilbert Audesse (RIS), Sun Life
David Badley (RIS), Credential Securities
Mohamed Ben Dhiab (RIS), Desjardins
Martin-Guy Bernier (RIS), Valeurs mobilières Desjardins
Josée Bilodeau (RIS), Services Financiers 3E3 inc
Gregory Blomqvist (RIS), AGF Investments
Jordan J Bokhorst (RIS), Affinity Wealth management
Éric Boucher (RIS), GFM Groupe Financier
Kay E. Brown (RIS), WFCU Credit Union
Duncan Brownlee (RIAC), RBC Dominion Securities
Julie Cabana (RIS), Gestion Financière Lanoie inc.
Ashley Cameron (RIPC)
Alison Cannell (RIS), Investia Financial Services Inc
Kim Chafee (RIPC), Addenda Capital
Isabelle Charette (RIS), Charette Assurances et Services Financiers
Jay Christensen (RIAC), Valley First a division of First West Credit Union
Jay Christensen (RIPC), Valley First a division of First West Credit Union
Doug Christopher (RIS), Martin Christopher Investments/Investia
Chad Chubaty (RIS), Prospera Credit Union
Michaela Clarke (RIS), Vancity Credit Union/Credential Asset Management
Jonathan Collins (RIS), NEI Investments
Chad Corbett (RIS), Meridian
Jonathan Cormier (RIS), Desjardins
Gavin Coscarella (RIS), Volpe Financial Solutions
David Coulombe-Lévesque (RIS), Groupe Financier Millénium Inc.
Sarah Crone (RIS), Aviso Wealth
Lisa Cruickshank (RIS), Desjardins
Mackenzie Dasti (RIS), Donald R. Dasti & Associates (Investia Financial)
Stéphane Déry (RIS), Investia Financial Services
Jonathan Déry (RIS), Tauro Services Financiers Inc
Peggy DeVries, (RIS), Edward Jones
Diego Di Tolla (RIS), Carruthers Financial
Martin Drapeau (RIS), Lafond Services financiers
Chadric Dreise (RIS), Desjardins Insurance
Charles Duchesne (RIS), Apogée Groupe financier
Brandina Enns (RIS), Prospera Credit Union
Martin Eret (RIS), Volpe Financial Solutions
Diana Frizell (RIS), Coast Capital Wealth Management
Marquis Gagnon (RIS), Travailleur autonome via investia
Esthel Gilbert (RIS), Univesta
Olivier Girardeau (RIAC), Autorité des marchés financiers
Olivier Girardeau (RIPC), Autorité des marchés financiers
Troy Gorrill (RIS), Focused Financial Planning
Yvan Goulet (RIS), Services financiers Yvan Goulet
Brendan Gratton (RIS), Sun Life Financial
Ashley Hamilton (RIS), Unity Credit Union
Riaz Haniff (RIS), Volpe Financial Solutions
Paul Heinrichs (RIS), Prospera Credit Union
Ross Hopmans (RIS), Investia Financial Services
Rajeev Kumar Jha (RIS), Vancity
Nina Johnson (RIAC), CIBC
David Jones (RIS), Assante Wealth Management
Mohammed Sami Kabli (RIS), Credential Asset Management
Anisha Kakria (RIS), Vancity
Anta Kebe (RIS), Desjardins, Caisse de limoilou
Waseem Khan (RIS), Worldsource Securities Inc.
Nami Kim (RIS), Prospera Credit Union
Joel King (RIS), CI Global Asset Management
Lorne Kronish (RIS), Assante Wealth Management
Quenton Lam (RIS), Meridian Credit Union
Robert Lando (RIS), L.S. Financial Services Inc.
Sabryna Lapointe (RIS), Investia / Lafond services financiers
Laurent Lapointe (RIS), Valeurs Mobilières Desjardins
James Lebrun (RIS), Sun Life Financial
Mason Leite (RIS), Martin Christopher Investments
Ashton Liang (RIPC)
Amber Lundin (RIAC), Meridian – Credential Asset Management
Josh MacLean (RIS), IPC Securities Corp.
Josée Mailloux (RIS), MICA CAPITAL INC.
Jordan Martel (RIS), Investia Services Financiers Inc.
Brent Martin (RIS), Martin Christopher Investments / Investia
Jibin Jiji Mathew (RIS), Chad Dreise Insurance & Financial Services Inc.
James McCormick (RIAC), Valley First a division of First West Credit Union
James McCormick (RIPC), Valley First a division of First West Credit Union
Michael Milton (RIS), RBC-DS
Apryl Milward (RIS), LIFECYCLE FINANCIAL
Manon Morency (RIS), Valeurs mobilières Desjardins
Romain Morize-Robb (RIS), Vancity Credit Union / Credential Asset Management Inc.
Amber Morrison (RIS), Investia Financial Services
Marilyne Morrow (RIS), Morrow Services Financiers inc.
Jamieson Brandon Murray (RIS), JM Financial Services
Richard Bruce Nickerson (RIAC), Assante Capital Management Ltd.
John Ong (RIS), Ong Financial Planning Services Ltd.
David Ong (RIS), Investia Financial Services Inc
William Orr (RIAC), Avisio
Aimee Palmer (RIPC)
Philip Picado (RIPC)
Darryl Quimby (RIS)
Nik Rajput (RIS), Servus Credit Union
Robby Rasoda (RIS), WSCU
Vaishagi Ravendran (RIS), Meridian Credit Union
Wade Rayner (RIS), Prospera Credit Union
Chad Reif (RIS), AAM Financial
Anne Rhéaume (RIS), Services Financiers Anne Rhéaume Inc.
Ross Ripley (RIS), CU Financial Management
David Roloson (RIS), Investia Financial Services
Sheena Sanders (RIAC)
Andrek Satkunarajah (RIS), Assante Capital Management Ltd.
Alexei Schwartzman (RIS), Schwartzman Financial Corp
Climerio Silva (RIS), Groupe Financier Millénium Inc.,Services d’investissement Quadrus ltée
Pierre-Michel Simard (RIS), Groupe Simard Serv. Fin. inc
Jean-Guy St-Onge (RIS), Investia / Lafond services financiers
Steven Tessier (RIS), MICA Capital
Carolin Thériault (RIS), MICA CAPITAL INC.
Haley Thompson (RIS), Rock Thompson Financial Planning
Michel Trépanier (RIS), Valeurs mobilières Desjardins
Constant Tzournavelis (RIS), IA Groupe financier et Investia
Lukas Vitalijus (RIS), Vancity (Vancouver City Savings Credit Union)
Brett Volpe (RIS), Volpe Financial Solutions
Michael Volpe (RIS), Volpe Financial Solutions
Charlene Wallis (RIS)
Theresa Wever (RIS), Wever Financial
Tom Wile (RIPC)
Christopher Wright (RIS), Vancity Savings
JIA WEI DAVID Yan (RIS), Vancity Credit Union
Janice Yang (RIS), Vancity Credit Union
Dylan Young (RIS), Desjardins
Sarah Zuckermann (RIS), Valeurs mobilières Desjardins