Responsible investment (RI) leaders and professionals from around the world will gather at the Canadian Responsible Investment Conference, May 26-28 at the Hyatt Regency Toronto. The annual conference brings together experts and thought leaders from industry, academia, government and nonprofits to tackle the latest environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) issues that present both challenges and opportunities for investors.

The conference is the flagship event of Canada’s inaugural Responsible Investment Week.

The conference, which is hosted by Canada’s Responsible Investment Association, will feature three days of presentations, panel discussions and workshops on the hottest topics in the field of RI.

One of those topics is the issue of fossil fuels and investment. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s recent report highlights the urgent need for investors to develop strategies that address climate change. Cary Krosinsky, who co-founded the Carbon Tracker Initiative and teaches at the Earth Institute, Columbia University, will share his insights in the plenary session titled “Carbon Constraints and Investment Strategy.” This session will be followed by a workshop on climate change strategies, which will be led by Heather Lang of Sustainalytics.

Another hot topic in the field is the issue of rising income inequality. Chrystia Freeland, Canadian Member of Parliament and distinguished writer, will kick off the conference with a plenary session titled, “The Global Super-Rich and the New Economy: Implications for Investors.” Few commentators have diagnosed the technological, economic and structural factors leading to growing inequality as thoroughly as Chrystia. Chrystia will be joined by Bob Walker of NEI Investments, who will discuss effective investor responses to the problem of growing income inequality.

In light of the recent tragedies at garment and textile factories in Bangladesh, another key topic in the field is the issue of safety and fairness in the supply chain. Bob Chant, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communication at Loblaw Ltd., will be on hand to discuss the steps Loblaw has taken to protect worker and human rights in its supply chain. He will also join a panel discussion to explore what still needs to be done to create sustainable, fair and safe global supply chains.

These are just a few of the many experts and topics being showcased at the conference. The conference will also feature sessions and workshops on:

• human rights and digital technology;
• the relationship between investors and emerging economies;
• corporate corruption;
• sustainability in the extractive industry;
• impact investing;
• thematic environmental investing;
• building a successful RI advisory practice;
• and, many other critical topics for RI professionals.

To learn more about the conference speakers and topics, visit the conference agenda webpage here. Note that the plenary sessions will be offered in both English and French.

Early Bird discounts on conference registration are available until May 1st. For more information, visit www.riaconference.ca.

About the Responsible Investment Association
The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is Canada’s leader on responsible investment (RI). RI refers to the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into investment selection and management. The RIA is a national, nonprofit, membership-based organization composed of financial institutions, mutual fund companies, investment firms, financial advisors and various organizations and individuals who practice and support responsible investing. The RIA and its members strongly believe that RI is a valuable investment tool to enhance returns, reduce risk and catalyze positive social change. @RIACanada

Responsible Investment Association

Responsible Investment Association

The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is Canada’s leader on responsible investment (RI). RI refers to the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into investment selection and management. We are a national, membership-based organization composed of financial institutions, mutual fund companies, investment firms, financial advisors, and various organizations and individuals who practice and support responsible investing. The RIA and its members strongly believe that RI is a valuable investment tool to enhance returns, reduce risk, and catalyze positive social change.

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