Bâtirente is introducing a new strategy that seeks to optimize its fixed income, global equity and environmentally responsible investment allocations. The Montreal-based pension’s new fund optimization plan specifically addresses the organization’s main priorities. By implementing the new plan, it will seek to improve its funds’ diversity in fixed income and global equities and focus on […]
Michel Charron has had a front-row seat for the revolution in the Canadian investment industry’s approach to environmental, social and governance issues. Following the foundation of the United Nation’s principles for responsible investment in 2008, his firm, PBI Actuarial Consultants Inc., immediately signed up. But the concept required explanation for some pension plan sponsors, he […]
The Investment Management Corp. of Ontario is acquiring a British power provider that specializes in the use of low-carbon technologies. Green Frog Power Ltd., which builds and operates power stations throughout the U.K., is working toward a long-term goal of bringing hydrogen gas into the country’s existing gas distribution network. The acquisition comes as GFP […]
Institutional investors that are signed onto the United Nations’ principles for responsible investment had a higher five-year average net return compared to non-signatories, according to a report by CEM Benchmarking Inc. The benchmarking consultancy, which studied the net returns of 42 signatories participating in its database for five consecutive years ending in 2018, found that […]
Three of Canada’s largest pension funds are investing in a new fund focused on the global transition to a net-zero economy. The Brookfield Global Transition Fund, founded by Brookfield Asset Management Inc., closed its funding after raising US$7 billion ($8.8 billion) with the help of the Investment Management Corp. of Ontario, the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan […]
In case you missed it, a recent legal opinion by pension lawyer Randy Bauslaugh suggested plan sponsors might be personally liable for failing to consider risks posed by climate change in the institutional investment decision-making process. Bauslaugh’s paper connected the dots between the current evidence on the materiality and urgency of the financial implications of climate change and the recent reflection of this […]
By encouraging employees to be their authentic selves at work, pension plans can make better investment decisions, says Adrian Mitchell, vice-president of public equities at the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan. “I think having some out LGBTQ people around demonstrates to everyone else it’s safe to be who you are. We’re going to make better […]
The Pension Investment Association of Canada is urging the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to adopt new rules mandating enhanced disclosures of climate risks and other environmental, social and governance factors. In a letter submitted by Natasha Trainor, PIAC’s chair, the association said it supports regulatory proposals that would require businesses to disclose more information on […]
The Public Sector Pension Investment Board is reporting a net return of 18.4 per cent in fiscal 2021. As of March 31, 2021, the PSP had $204.5 billion in net assets under management, up 20.4 per cent from $169.8 billion at the end of the previous fiscal year. The PSP also reported a 10-year annualized […]
A report from the U.K.-based watchdog group Hong Kong Watch is criticizing three major Canadian pension funds for investing in Chinese businesses involved in human rights violations. The report says the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board, the British Columbia Investment Management Corp. and the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan have invested more than $12 billion in companies reported […]