While carbon concerns have been dominating conversations among institutional investors looking to mitigate environmental risk, the issue of water usage should be higher on their list, according to a paper by Russell Investments Group. “Overall, we have concluded that the current water-related investment tools available are insufficient and inhibit investors from converting insights into meaningful […]
The Desjardins Group Pension Plan is set to acquire a portion of EDF Renewables Canada Inc.’s stake in the Cypress Wind Project, pending the completion of its construction and other terms and conditions. Located southeast of Medicine Hat, Alta., the project will total 48 turbines with a combined capacity of 201.6 megawatts. Construction is expected […]
Environmental, social and governance issues are becoming a bigger part of executive compensation, according to a new report by Mercer. In a survey of 135 North American organizations, 30 per cent said they’re currently using ESG metrics in their incentive plans, while 21 per cent are considering doing so. It also found organizations are more […]
An expert panel on sustainable finance is advocating for the government to implement a number of recommendations, including some related to pension plans and individual retirement savings accounts. For defined contribution plans, other group pension programs and registered retirement savings plans, the report suggested offering tax-based financial incentives for people who invest in accredited climate-conscious […]
Almost a third of General Motors Inc. investors with nearly $2 trillion in total assets under management voted in favour of a shareholder resolution last week requesting the car manufacturer disclose its lobbying practices around vehicle emission standards. The vote, led by Canadian responsible investment firm NEI Investments and New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, took […]
More than half (58 per cent) of institutional investors surveyed have implemented smart beta strategies, according a recent survey from FTSE Russel. This represents a 10 per cent increase since 2018. When looking at investors that have implemented smart beta, or are evaluating or planning to use a smart beta index-based strategy, the number jumps […]
Four years after the Ontario Securities Commission introduced its comply-or-explain disclosure policy, Canada has seen measurable improvements in the number of women sitting on corporate boards. Among S&P/TSX composite index-listed companies, the percentage of women on boards has increased to nearly 25 per cent, up from just 11 per cent in 2013, according to a […]
The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board is facing pressure to divest from companies allegedly tied to human rights abuses in China. “I have constituents of mine who’ve come to see me over the past few weeks because they have family members who have been interned,” said Conservative MP Tom Kmiec at the House of Commons finance […]
In a challenging year for global equity markets, with fixed income returns below average, the University of Toronto Asset Management Corp.’s pension portfolio returned a negative 1.6 per cent, while it’s endowment portfolio returned a negative 1.5 per cent, net of investment fees and expenses. The UTAM manages funds for the university’s pension, endowment and […]
A group of U.S. institutional investors, including public pension funds, representing more than US$1 trillion is calling on investee companies to do more to include people with disabilities in the workforce. “Disability inclusion provides businesses with a great opportunity to improve their bottom lines, while boosting diversity and innovation,” said one of the statement’s signatories, […]