Investment is consistent with the Fond de solidarité FTQ's Sustainable Development Plan
MONTRÉAL, March 6, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - In an effort to contribute to a prosperous, sustainable and responsible economy, the Fonds de solidarité FTQ has acquired $22.9 million in Government of Québec green bonds. The transaction is part of the Fonds' fixed-income securities strategy. This is the Québec government's first green bonds issue, announced on February 24.
"The Fonds' Sustainable Development Plan strives for economic development that integrates economic, social and environmental dimensions so as to benefit people and communities. The Québec government's green bonds, which will fund public transit projects such as the replacement of the Société de transport de Montréal's metro cars with AZUR trains and the purchase of hybrid buses, fit in perfectly with this objective," said Mario Tremblay, Vice-President, Public and Corporate Affaires, at the Fonds de solidarité FTQ.
The Fonds alone has acquired 4.6% of this first $500 million green bond issue. The transaction was made possible by the involvement of a Fonds partner company, Addenda Capital, which like the Fonds is a signatory to the United Nations' Principles of Responsible Investment (PRI). Addenda has long been known for its commitment to sustainable investing.
As mentioned in the Government of Québec's press release:
"The Green Bonds Program builds on the basic Green Bonds Principles, a set of guidelines developed in 2014 by a group of banks to foster greater transparency in this growing market.
The program's framework received the highest possible rating from CICERO (Center for International Climate and Environmental Research - Oslo)."1
About the Fonds de solidarité FTQ
The Fonds de solidarité FTQ is a development capital fund that channels the savings of Quebecers into investments. As at November 30, 2016, the organization had $12.2 billion in net assets, and through its current portfolio of investments has helped create and protect over 187,000 jobs. The Fonds is a partner in more than 2,600 companies and has nearly 618,000 shareholder-savers. fondsftq.com
About Addenda Capital
Headquartered in Montréal, Addenda Capital is a privately-owned investment management firm with more than CAD$27 billion in assets under management. Addenda Capital offers innovative investment solutions to institutional clients and high net worth clients. Addenda's industry-leading efforts in sustainable investment enhances its focus on long-term value through ESG integration, stewardship and promoting sustainable financial markets.
Addenda is co-owned by Co-operators Financial Services, a subsidiary of Canadian insurance co-operative The Co-operators Group Limited, by Fonds de solidarité FTQ, and by Management Shareholders.
www.addenda-capital.com
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1 Source: http://www.finances.gouv.qc.ca/documents/Communiques/en/COMEN_20170224.pdf
SOURCE (FTQ) Le Fonds de Solidarité des Travailleurs du Québec
for media representatives only: Patrick McQuilken, Senior Advisor, Media Relations and Communications, Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Telephone: 514 850-4835, Mobile: 514 703-5587, Email: [email protected]
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