Co-operators launches Sustainable Investment
Portfolios to help investors build wealth while making an impact on
the things that matter most
TORONTO, Sept. 26,
2022 /CNW/ - Co-operators continues to lead the
industry in using the power of its invested assets to help bring
about a more sustainable society. Taking its mission a step
further, the company has launched Co-operators Sustainable
Investment Portfolios, a new investment product for retail clients
currently distributed exclusively through Co-operators Financial
Investment Services Inc. (CFIS). The latest addition to
Co-operators range of wealth products aims to enable Canadian
investors to achieve their financial goals while actively
supporting society's biggest environmental and social issues.
Our goal is to be a leader in the
transition toward the economy of the future.
By the end of 2021, Co-operators had 21.2% ($2.64 billion) of its total portfolio invested in
impact investments, which measurably address pressing environmental
and social issues, like climate change, community development,
health and wellness, and education. This represents the most
significant proportion of impact investments by any financial
institution in Canada. The company
has also set targets to commit 50% of its total portfolio to impact
investment and climate transition by 2026, and 60% by 2030.
"Our goal is to be a leader in the transition toward the economy
of the future. To help do that, we developed a solution to allow
Canadian investors to build wealth, while also addressing long-term
environmental and social challenges through the same framework we
use in our own investments," said Rob
Wesseling, CEO of Co-operators. "We believe Canadians want
to be responsible investors and this empowers our clients to invest
in a way that aligns with their risk tolerance, while aiming to
contribute to positive, meaningful change for future
generations."
Co-operators Sustainable Investment Portfolios – managed by
Addenda Capital, a member of The Co-operators Group of Companies
and a pioneer in the Canadian impact investing space – are
comprised of five portfolios at different risk levels that leverage
mutual funds from Addenda Capital.
"With major environmental and social matters before us, standing
idle isn't an option," says Roger
Beauchemin, President and CEO at Addenda Capital. "We
endeavour to enhance investment analysis with the consideration of
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors to better assess
risks and opportunities that could impact performance. We also try
to leverage the assets entrusted by our investors to create
positive outcomes for a better world."
There is legitimate financial opportunity in prioritizing ESG
factors and impact investing strategies. More than ever, companies
are implementing projects to reduce emissions and advance climate
solutions. By supporting the transition to net zero through
investments, Canadians can help shape the sustainable economy of
the future.
"We believe that when asked the question, 'Do you want cleaner
air, more affordable housing, and more beds in long-term care?'
Canadians will respond by saying 'yes.' It is our obligation to
provide an investment vehicle that has the potential to enable
investors to join us in contributing to that outcome," Wesseling
said.
About Co-operators
Co-operators is a leading Canadian financial services
co-operative, offering multi-line insurance and investment
products, services, and personalized advice to help Canadians build
their financial strength and security. The company has more than
$61.5 billion in assets under
administration. Co-operators has been providing trusted guidance to
Canadians for the past 76 years. The organization is well known for
its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability.
Achieving carbon neutral equivalency in 2020, the organization is
committed to net-zero emissions in its operations and investments
by 2040, and 2050, respectively. Co-operators is also ranked as a
Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizen in Canada and is listed among the Best Employers
in Canada by Kincentric. For more
information, please
visit: www.cooperators.ca.
Co-operators® is a registered trademark of The Co-operators
Group Limited. Not all products are available in all provinces.
Co-operators is committed to protecting the privacy,
confidentiality, accuracy and security of the personal information
that we collect, use, retain and disclose in the course of
conducting our business. Please refer to our privacy policy for
more information. Mutual funds are offered through
Co-operators Financial Investment Services Inc. to Canadian
residents except those in Quebec
and the territories. Commissions, trailing commissions, management
fees and expenses may all be associated with mutual fund
investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Unless
otherwise stated, mutual fund securities and cash balances are not
insured nor guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past
performance may not be repeated.
About Addenda Capital
With more than $34 billion in
assets under management, Addenda Capital is recognized as a leader
in sustainable investing. From climate transition to impact
investing to traditional strategies, our multi-asset solutions seek
to provide enhanced returns for a clientele that is both
institutional and private. At one point, we enriched our investment
process by integrating analysis of environmental, social and
governance (ESG) issues. Today, we are playing an active role in
the shift toward a net-zero economy while staying true to our
commitment: serving our clients and generating sustainable wealth
for a better future. Visit us at addendacapital.com, join us on
LinkedIn or follow us on Twitter @Addendacapital.
SOURCE The Co-operators Group Limited