We believe that companies operating with sound business practices, including appropriate attention to environmental issues, social practices and corporate governance, are more likely to present better opportunities for investment than those without.
Since the inception of our business, through our research, management meetings and proxy voting, we have integrated non-financial factors—including environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors—that may influence an investment’s performance. We believe this approach is preferable to simply divesting of, or screening out, securities from our investable universe.
We advocate for greater attention to ESG issues in our investable universe by participating in and supporting relevant coalitions and advocacy groups such as the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance (CCGG), the Responsible Investment Association (RIA) and the UN-backed Principles for Responsible Investing (PRI). Some examples of our ESG activities include the following:
- We were a founding member of CCGG and our President and CIO is a member of the Board of Directors. Visit the CCGC website.
- As a signatory to the UN-backed PRI, we report annually on our ESG-related activities in accordance with the PRI reporting framework. Visit the PRI website.
- A member of our team chairs the Vancouver Responsible Investing Working Group that is focused on ESG education along with sharing best practices and ideas amongst Vancouver area investment firms. Visit the RIA website.
For more information on our approach to Responsible Investing, please contact Lori Satov.