We are committed to active ownership. This requires us to promote good corporate governance, including the exercise of shareholder voting rights. It obliges us to participate in engagement with management and boards of companies to address ESG issues. Sound corporate governance is an essential element of effective company management and long-term performance; it is essential for companies to address risk effectively.
As a member of the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance, the Pension Investment Association of Canada and the Portfolio Management Association of Canada, we endorse the positions of these bodies with respect to corporate governance as reflected in their various position statements, and we contribute to their development where possible.
We participate in formal engagement collaborations through membership, alignment or service arrangements with various organizations.
Informal collaborations involve like-minded investors coming together to advocate on matters of interest to all participants. We will participate in these wherever it is likely to be of benefit to the University.
Our engagement service provider's approach is based on constructive and confidential company dialogue and on building a relationship of trust, where over time they seek to understand how companies manage ESG risks and encourage best practice.