How to handle ESG pushback

Mary Robinson (She/Her) is Director, Research & Investor Networks with the RIA. In this role, Mary promotes awareness of responsible investment in Canada through research and analysis, advocates for policies that support responsible investment, and facilitates collaboration among the RIA’s membership. Mary is a CFA® charterholder with more than 20 years of experience working with institutional investors, including pension funds, endowments and foundations, in consulting and relationship management roles. Mary believes that incorporating ESG factors in investment decision-making is consistent with the goal of achieving positive financial outcomes for the long term. She is keen to advance the understanding of RI among Canadian investors and to help the industry move towards full adoption of RI.

Deborah Debas is a Senior Responsible Investment (RI) Specialist at Desjardins. Her primary role is to provide advisors with a strategic understanding of the benefits of ESG integration and responsible investing. Deborah is a frequent speaker at industry events organized by the Responsible Investment Association, TMX and the Globe & Mail. She is regularly quoted in the media about current and emerging industry trends and the environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues facing companies and our industry. Deborah was part of the team that launched Desjardins’ RI portfolio in 2009. She helped thousands of advisors strengthen their practices with this growing area of investment, and better serve their clients’ financial needs with the latest knowledge, tools, and resources.

Philippe is a Chief Analyst, Responsible Investment at National Bank Investments (NBI). In his role, he oversees the climate strategy and ESG integration of NBI’s portfolio sub-advisors. Philippe has worked for 20 years at a large Canadian bank as a specialist in global fixed income. He then transitioned to a role focusing on responsible investment within portfolio management before joining NBI in 2022. Philippe holds a master’s degree in finance, has the CFA title, and completed the Sustainable Investment Professional Certification (SIPC).

In her role as Head of Responsible Investing and Manager Research, Jenifer is responsible for enhancing our multi-manager capabilities and accelerating our focus on responsible investing. Prior to joining Sun Life Global Investments in 2022, Jenifer was AVP, Head of Global Manager Research, Canada, at a leading wealth management firm. In her previous role, Jenifer played a key role in augmenting the focus on ESG for Managers on the platform. She brings with her over 25 years of industry experience across manager research and portfolio management. Jenifer holds an MBA from Queen’s University as well as the CFA and CAIA designations. Outside of work, she shares her experience by teaching courses in portfolio management at her alma mater.