Responsible Investing

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Responsible Investing (RI) is an approach to investment that explicitly acknowledges the potential relevance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors to the sustainability of investment performance and to the health and stability of the market as a whole.

For OPTrust, the purpose of responsible investing lies in the recognition that ESG factors can impact investment risk and return. We seek to identify, assess and manage ESG factors in a manner that supports both our mission to deliver sustainable pension security and our fiduciary duty to our members.

The context for OPTrust’s responsible investing program is set out in three policies approved by the Board of Trustees; the Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures (SIP&P), Statement of Responsible Investing Principles (SRIP), and Proxy Voting Guidelines.

Responsible Investing Report

2020 Responsible Investing Report

“When COVID-19 hit, inequality and sustainability became top-of-mind for many people and the responsible investing efforts at OPTrust have taken on a renewed sense of urgency.

Throughout 2020, key events like the pandemic and the advancement of the Black Lives Matter movement have called attention to issues ranging from systemic racism, to diversity and inclusion, to workplace health and safety. Meanwhile, climate change remains an issue demanding urgent attention.

These issues are important to us as an investor, not only from a risk management perspective, but also because challenges can become opportunities for those with the ability and expertise to play a role in solving them.”
– Peter Lindley, President and CEO of OPTrust.

• 2020 Responsible Investing Report (PDF - 6.3 MB)
• 2020 Responsible Investing Report (website)

Previous Responsible Investing Reports

• 2019 Responsible Investing Report (PDF - 7.0 MB)
  Past Responsible Investing Reports:

  • 2018 Responsible Investing Report (PDF - 3.0 MB)
  • 2017 Responsible Investing Report (PDF - 3.0 MB)
  • 2016 Responsible Investing Report (PDF - 1.0 MB)
  • 2015 Responsible Investing Report (PDF - 1.9 MB)
  • 2014 Responsible Investing Report (PDF - 500 KB)

Proxy Voting

As a long-term investor, OPTrust believes that good governance practices support stronger long-term performance and enhance shareholder value. We actively exercise our voting rights for public securities held within our portfolios according to OPTrust’s Proxy Voting Guidelines. The Guidelines include our expectations for; the composition of the board, executive compensation, shareholder rights, and the disclosure of environmental and social information. In addition, our Statement on Proxy Access outlines our position on the importance of shareholder engagement on all governance issues including the director nomination process.

Please contact OPTrust at proxyvotes@optrust.com with any questions or comments about the guidelines or for information on a specific vote.