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IIGCC proxy advisor working group sends letter to ISS
August, 2023
UPP was one of 36 global investors who signed a letter to proxy service provider ISS organized by the International Investor Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) calling for improved climate-related proxy voting research and further integration of climate into its Benchmark Policy. The letter asks for increased transparency and a more comprehensive approach to assess board climate accountability and transition plans, as well as more clear and consistent vote recommendations for shareholder-proposed resolutions.
CEOs of leading Canadian pension plan investment managers support inaugural International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards
June, 2023
UPP was among 11 of Canada’s leading pension plan investment managers, representing more than $2 trillion in assets under management, to call on companies focused on long-term value to embrace the new International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) disclosure framework, launched this week.
UPP response to consultation on the Ontario Securities Commission draft Statement of Priorities for 2023-2024
December, 2022
UPP urged the OSC to adopt a national instrument on climate-related disclosure that is interoperable with international best practice. We supported the priority for expanded diversity disclosure requirements and recommended including policies and targets. We also supported the integration of Indigenous perspectives in OSC work and encouraged adequate resourcing of this priority.
CDP Science-Based Targets Campaign
October, 2022
We joined more than 270 signatories representing more than US $36 trillion in assets to sign letters to 1,061 companies calling on them to set science-based emissions reduction targets aligned with 1.5°C warming scenarios.
Joint submission to Government of Canada consultation on options to cap oil and gas greenhouse gas emission
September, 2022
We joined 9 other Canadian financial institutions to express support for additional federal policy measures to reduce emissions in line with Canada's 2030 and 2050 targets. We emphasized that managing emissions is critical to mitigate systemic risk, that failure of Canada's oil and gas sector to decarbonize could exacerbate access to capital challenges, and that reducing and eliminating methane emissions should be an immediate priority.
UPP response to consultation on CAPSA Guideline: ESG Considerations in Pension Plan Management
September, 2022
We commended the Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities (“CAPSA”) for undertaking this important work and putting forward the draft Guideline. We particularly welcome the clarification that using ESG factors to provide financial insight is consistent with an administrator’s fiduciary duty and suggested some improvements to ensure actions are encouraged alongside considerations and to ensure pension plan disclosures address both ESG considerations and stewardship activities.
2022 Global Investor Statement to Governments on the Climate Crisis
September, 2022
We joined more than 500 signatories representing more than US $30 trillion in assets to sign a statement urging governments around the world to implement specific priority policy actions to ensure their plans and policies are aligned with the goal of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5C, they support the implementation of the Global Methane Pledge to reduce emissions by at least 30 percent from 2020 levels by 2030, scale up the provision of climate finance for mitigation and adaptation, and strengthen climate disclosures across the financial system.
Joint response to consultation by the International Sustainability Standards Board on sustainability-related and climate-related disclosures for investors
July, 2022
We jointly wrote a letter to the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) in support of their proposal to improve and standardize sustainability-related and climate-related disclosures for investors. The other authors were Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI), Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan, Investment Management Corporation of Ontario (IMCO), OMERS, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, and PSP Investments.
Joint response to consultation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC)’s on proposed enhancement and standardization of climate-related disclosures for investors
June, 2022
We jointly wrote a letter to the SEC in support of their proposal to improve and standardize climate-related disclosures for investors. The other authors were Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI), Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan, Investment Management Corporation of Ontario (IMCO), OMERS, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, and PSP Investments.
30% Club Canadian Investor Group: updated statement of intent
March, 2022
We joined 20 other Canadian investors signing a statement that calls on publicly-traded companies to take prompt and considered action to achieve and exceed a minimum of 30% women on boards and at the executive management level and to enhance the presence of other underrepresented groups on their boards and among their executive managers.
Joint letter to members of the Canadian Securities Administrators
March, 2022
Along with seven other investors and with the assistance of the Shareholder Association for Research and Education we jointly wrote to securities regulators across Canada to request enhanced requirements regarding 1) the disclosure of the representation of underrepresented groups on corporate boards and in executive officer positions, and 2) mandatory target setting for representation of women and underrepresented groups on boards and in executive officer positions, and timelines for implementation.
UPP response to consultation on proposed National Instrument 51-107 Disclosure of Climate-related Matters
February, 2022
We expressed support for enhanced disclosure requirements and encouraged the Canadian Securities Regulators to impose more stringent requirements than proposed that would better address the urgency of our need to transition to a sustainable, resilient, low-emissions society and the rapidly increasing climate-related disclosure expectations of issuers and investors globally.
Canadian Investor Statement on Climate Change coordinated by the Responsible Investment Association
October, 2021
We joined more than 35 other Canadian investors signing a statement that calls on companies to act on material climate risks including through their industry association and lobbying activities and commits us as investors to take actions to support the goal of achieving global net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.
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