Dear RIA Members,
I’ve rewritten the opening of this letter several times trying to find the right words to capture the mood of Q1 2025. Words like chaos, change and uncertainty have featured prominently in our news cycles. Not surprising, considering how much has happened in such a short period of time.
Through it all, the RIA’s purpose, vision and mission have remained steadfast and provided a source of grounding, especially amidst the ongoing change. With a mandate to entrench RI in Canada’s financial ecosystem, we continue to focus on our three strategic pillars: 1) build community; 2) drive change and influence policy; and 3) educate and inspire. As the community hub for asset owners, asset managers, advisors, service providers and other investment professionals, we have, and will, continue to champion initiatives in support of a sustainable pathway to Canadian competitiveness.
In terms of convenings, we began the year with a member briefing on Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standards, CSDS 1 and 2. Co-hosted with the IFRS Foundation, this session provided important insights on the newly released standards. Recognizing your expressed interest in learning from industry peers and staying up to date on top-of-mind issues and best practices in RI, we launched the new RIA Member Roundtable Series – quarterly gatherings for institutional investor members. The inaugural session focused on the timely issue of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the investment process, with relevant speakers from both sides of the border, and interactive breakout activities. The next session on June 17th will focus on Indigenous Economic Reconciliation.
Our advocacy agenda has been active with three submissions to regulatory consultations since January. The first was on the CSA Proposed Modernization of the Continuous Disclosure Regime for Investment Funds (submitted in January). The second was in response to the Competition Bureau’s Proposed Guidelines Concerning Environmental Claims (submitted in February), and was based on member input from the initial submission made in September 2024. The third involved feedback to the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) on their Proposal to harmonize CIRO Continuing Education (CE) Programs (submitted in March). The latter will have a meaningful impact on our ability to streamline external CE credit offerings for our advisor members.
Speaking of advisor members, the Retail Advisor RI Working Group was launched in January. With a mandate to inform and work with RIA management on the advancement and execution of our retail investment strategy, the group’s insights will help shape and optimize our programming for advisor members during the months and years to come.
Out in the community last week I joined the Queens University Master of Finance program, where I facilitated an introductory session on RI and sustainable finance. The students were keen to learn about the history of RI and were especially curious about our research. The timing was great because the week prior, we launched the Responsible Investment Research Initiative – a program of the RIA that delivers objective, data-driven insights spanning the full spectrum of responsible investment in Canada through three comprehensive reports: the Investor Opinion Survey, the Advisor RI Insights Study and the Canadian RI Trends Report.
The first report to be published under this initiative will be the 2025 Investor Opinion Survey on April 10th. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to sign up for the launch webinars in English and French. The Initiative and production of the research reports are generously supported by partners Addenda Capital, Desjardins, Mackenzie Investments, National Bank Investments, RBC Global Asset Management and TD Asset Management.
Also, it’s that time of year again – please keep your eyes open for the 2025 RI Trends Report survey. Insights from this report are especially important this year and the participation of the Canadian community is crucial as we monitor the implications of an ever-changing environment.
If you follow my letters you’ll know that one of my favourite parts of leading the RIA is getting to meet and spend time with you, our members, particularly at our annual conferences. Never has it been more necessary for our industry to come together to share, inspire and find the Windows of Opportunity amidst all the change that has been thrust upon us. The opportunities are there, but we have to find them. As Canadians we are resilient, and our economy is resilient, and RI will be a significant competitive advantage.
With exciting Keynotes, timely plenaries and dedicated programming for retail and institutional audiences, there is truly something for everyone. I look forward to seeing you on June 3-4 in Toronto.
A few reminders… please save the date our AGM taking place online on June 13th. You’ll receive more information during the coming weeks. Also, please ensure your member profiles are up to date. We are upgrading our digital infrastructure, with a new CRM and learning management system to launch later this year. This will have a palpable impact on your member experience and having your accurate information is an important first step.
Additionally, if you’re interested in hosting an event during Canada Climate Week Exchange (CCWX) between November 24th and 30th, please review the eligibility criteria and submit an application. As a Founding Member of the initiative, the RIA will be hosting several online and in-person events, so keep an eye on the space.
Finally, I would like to thank Kristen Sheppard, Director of Member and Partner Relations, as she transitions out of the organization during the coming weeks. Kristen made significant contributions during her three-year tenure at the RIA and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
Please join me in welcoming the newest member of the RIA team, Leanne Hickman, Director, Member Engagement and Strategic Partnerships. Leanne joins us full time on April 9th and looks forward to getting to know you.
It’s amazing how out of chaos, change and uncertainty can stem hope and opportunity. With the right leadership, commitment and community, we will stay strong together for our collective benefit. It won’t be easy, but as the adage states, nothing good ever is. Thank you for your support and dedication.
Warm regards,
Patricia Fletcher
CEO
Responsible Investment Association
