Responsible investment: Gestion FÉRIQUE updates policy

MONTREAL , Sept. 16 /CNW Telbec/ - "Making the world better. One shareholder vote at a time." This is the philosophy of Gestion FÉRIQUE, and the spirit in which it has just reviewed its Responsible Investment Proxy Voting Policy, to ensure it addresses its investors' current concerns.

In April 2006 , Gestion FÉRIQUE adopted an investment policy that harmonizes with the fundamental values of the engineering profession, and that evolves according to principles established by the most reputable organizations in the field, including the Shareholder Association for Research and Education and the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance. The policy is based on long-term profitability, accountability and transparency.

"With the many changes seen in the area of governance, particularly in terms of increased accountability for business leaders and the many environmental challenges, we felt it appropriate to re-examine each clause of our policy and make the changes necessary," said Fabienne Lacoste, CFA, Executive Director of Gestion FÉRIQUE.

Gestion FÉRIQUE believes that businesses have social responsibilities toward the communities where they are based, and that the search for profitability must take these responsibilities into account, especially where the environment and human rights are involved. Furthermore, the firm asserts, responsible investment is not incompatible with seeking better long-term returns, nor does it lead to additional fees for investors.

"Every day, engineers have to take into account the impact of their work on the environment, health and the property of others. So it was essential that we offer them a policy that would enable them to apply these same principles of governance to their investments," said Marcel Vézina, Eng., president of the Responsible Investment Committee.

"The exercise of proxy voting rights enables businesses to update their codes of conduct to take ESG (environmental, social and governance) concerns into account. We believe that this is a proactive and constructive collective force for change," concluded Fabienne Lacoste.

About Gestion FÉRIQUE

Founded on January 1, 2000 , Gestion FÉRIQUE (www.ferique.com) manages the FÉRIQUE Funds, launched in 1974 by the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec. FÉRIQUE is the only not-for-profit mutual fund company in Canada whose sole purpose is to serve the interests of engineers and their families. The firm offers eight mutual funds diversified across all asset classes. Management of the funds is entrusted to renowned investment firms which are hand-picked by Gestion FÉRIQUE, based on their superior asset class expertise. FÉRIQUE Funds have more than $1.2 billion in assets under management and nearly 23,000 clients.

For further information: Caroline Couillard, Morin Public Relations, [phone], ext. 233, C. [phone]; Source: Manon Duhamel, Director, Marketing and communications, Gestion FÉRIQUE, [phone], ext. 3229