Responsible Investment Practices
Investing Respectfully
The Caisse believes in investing responsibly. Its commitment has led it to include environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) criteria in its investment decisions. It encourages the companies in which it invests to adopt practices that comply with the principles of corporate responsibility. Also, it co-operates with global investors to promote these principles and find ways to make them concrete.
WELL-ESTABLISHED RESPONSIBLITY
As a complement to its Policy on the Principles Governing the Exercise of Voting Rights of Public Companies, the Caisse has adopted a Policy on Socially Responsible Investment whereby:
- It promotes dialogue with corporate managers regarding socially responsible investment issues;
- It encourages its peers to help improve the social records of the companies in which they invest;
- It expects the companies in which it invests to:
- Conduct their business while respecting fundamental rights and freedoms and prohibiting any discrimination;
- Respect the rights of workers and guarantee that they have a safe, healthy environment;
- Respect and protect the environment;
- Respect the communities where they operate and promote their development.
CONCRETE ACTION
The Caisse exercises its leadership by taking action to promote responsible investment and corporate responsibility. Here are a few examples:
Adoption of United Nations Principles
April 27, 2006: The Caisse endorsed the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), an initiative of the United Nations.
Endorsement of the Carbon Disclosure Project
October 4, 2006: The Caisse was part of a group of over 200 global investors wishing to ensure that corporations are made accountable for greenhouse gas emissions.
Clear Position and Exercise of Voting Rights
Systematic voting by the Caisse at the annual meetings of some 300 companies of which it is a shareholder.
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Additional Information
Brochure on Corporate Responsibility (PDF)