Dear RIA Members,
2025 was a year defined by transition, resilience and meaningful progress for responsible investment in Canada. Despite a dynamic operating environment, one element held firm. The RIA continued to serve as a reliable anchor for our community, just as it has for three decades, beginning with our early days as the Social Investment Organization. We were advancing responsible investment long before it became part of the mainstream vernacular, and our commitment to entrenching RI in Canada’s financial ecosystem is as strong as ever.
This year reaffirmed the value of a trusted and enduring voice in the industry. At a time when global narratives continue to evolve and domestic policy signals at times appear fragmented, the RIA has focused on clarity, quality and community. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together.
A key milestone of 2025 was the launch of the Responsible Investment Research Initiative, a long-term commitment to providing objective, data-driven insights that reflect the full spectrum of responsible investment in Canada. With the support of our partners, we published three flagship reports that together offer a comprehensive view of the Canadian RI landscape. The Investor Opinion Survey in April, the Advisor RI Insights Study in October and the Canadian Responsible Investment Trends Report in November each uncovered important signals about market sentiment, advisor behaviour and industry practice.
This body of research deepens understanding across the industry and provides members with actionable intelligence. It also highlights the conviction of Canadian investors who continue to integrate sustainability considerations even as expectations evolve. I am deeply grateful to all members who participated in surveys, interviews or strategic consultations to help shape this work.
Convening has always been central to the RIA’s role and 2025 was no exception. In June, members came together in Toronto for the 2025 RIA Conference, where the energy across both the new advisor and institutional streams reflected the maturity and breadth of our community. We also hosted numerous webinars and briefings on topics as diverse as evolving sustainability disclosure frameworks and the new federal budget.
In response to your desire for more intimate exchanges, we launched a new Member Roundtable Series for institutional investors with interactive sessions on DEI, Indigenous Economic Reconciliation, climate and nature and human rights. For retail advisors, the establishment of the Retail Advisor RI Strategy Group marked an important step in ensuring a direct lens into the priorities of and opportunities for this important segment of our membership.
We spent meaningful time in the community, engaging with partner organizations and stakeholders across the country. Each of these interactions reinforced the importance of knowledge sharing and relationship building in advancing our collective goals.
Perhaps one of the most inspiring examples of this was the inaugural Canada Climate Week Xchange in November, where the RIA proudly served as a founding member. The week included nearly 100 events across the country and brought together leaders from finance, industry, civil society and government to advance Canada’s competitiveness in a decarbonizing global economy. We delivered a broad array of sessions, both independently and with partners, including those on sustainability disclosure, impact investment, the launch of the 2025 Canadian RI Trends Report, and several under the umbrella of Climate Engagement Canada. These sessions reflected the breadth of our collaborations and the increasing energy behind this work.
Policy and advocacy remained a major area of focus in 2025. We delivered several important submissions, including responses to the CSA’s proposed modernization of the continuous disclosure regime for investment funds, the Competition Bureau’s Proposed Guidelines Concerning Environmental Claims and CIRO’s proposal on Continuing Education.
One of the most significant policy matters of the year was the CSA’s decision to pause work on a mandatory climate-related disclosure rule and changes to diversity-related disclosure. In response, the RIA submitted a detailed letter outlining members’ concerns and the importance of establishing consistent, high-quality sustainability disclosures. We were subsequently invited to present to the CSA Climate Committee in August, where our perspective was well received and shared broadly within the organization. This work demonstrates the RIA’s role as a bridge between investors and policymakers, convening informed dialogue and ensuring the voice of responsible investors remains present in conversations that shape the future of Canadian markets.
Our collaboration with Circular Economy Canada also advanced this year through the release of a new report, building awareness of how Canadian investors can help catalyze a more resilient and resource-efficient economy.
Behind the scenes, 2025 laid important groundwork to strengthen our digital infrastructure and refine internal systems that will significantly enhance your member experience. Achieving this progress amid a year of considerable operational demands made your continued commitment all the more meaningful. We also advanced curriculum updates and introduced upgrades that will better support credential holders, learners and members. These investments will set the stage for a more seamless and personalized experience in 2026.
As we prepare for a new year, I am filled with optimism. Members can expect more expansive research under the Responsible Investment Research Initiative, deeper engagement opportunities for both institutional and retail audiences, continued policy leadership and new digital tools that will make it easier for you to access value from your membership.
Above all, I am looking forward to spending more time with you, whether through our research and policy work, our roundtables or our many convenings. The RIA has always been powered by people. Every member conversation reminds me why this work matters and renews my resolve to ensure the RIA continues to deliver meaningful value as the national voice for responsible investment.
Thank you for your support throughout this year and for the dedication you bring to advancing responsible investment in Canada. I wish you a joyful and restful holiday season and look forward to all that we will accomplish together in 2026.
Warm regards,
Patricia Fletcher,
Chief Executive Officer
Responsible Investment Association
