Inform
We demonstrate transparency and accountability by publicly disclosing our responsible investing activities and guiding documents to foster client confidence. We report to our clients and internal stakeholders on a regular basis and yearly through the AIMCo Annual Report, Responsible Investment Report and PRI Transparency Report and GRESB surveys.
Build
The governance of responsible investment at AIMCo begins with our Board-approved Responsible Investment Policy which applies to all assets under management. Our Responsible Investment Committee oversees the RI strategy and approves all related guidelines and ESG Focus Areas.
Our responsible investing philosophy is guided by our:
Fiduciary Duty
We base our investment decisions on anticipated risk-adjusted performance, but we also consider the positive or negative impact that ESG factors are likely to have on long-term risk and return.
Long-Term Investment Horizon
We focus on the preservation of capital over the long term to enable our clients to meet their financial obligations.
Purpose & Core Values
Our purpose is to help our clients secure a better financial future for the Albertans they serve. Our core values are excellence, transparency, humility, integrity and collaboration.
Integrate
Consideration of ESG factors enables better-informed investment decisions and supports long-term stakeholder value. The diversified nature of our portfolios calls for a tailored approach to manage relevant ESG risks and opportunities.
Pre-Investment
We use a responsible investing lens to evaluate potential investments’ governance framework and ESG performance. This informs our voting stance at publicly traded companies and assists portfolio managers in their investment decision-making processes.
Post-Investment
We track ESG initiatives, risks and performance at investee companies and may follow up to engage on key ESG topics or to more fully address company ESG policies and practices.
Influence
We are committed to acting as a responsible steward of our clients’ investments to promote sustainable, long-term value. Our stewardship activities include proxy voting and engagements. We are guided by our “voice over exit” philosophy — we prefer to exert our influence as a shareholder to drive positive change rather than divest from a company and unnecessarily reduce the investible universe.
Engagements
We engage with issuers on topics in our ESG focus areas. Engagements are intended to encourage responsible business practices, foster better corporate governance and advance more sustainable financial markets.
Proxy Voting
Shareholders of a company are entitled to exercise the voting rights attached to their shares. Proxy voting on our publicly held assets is a key responsible investment activity, allowing AIMCo to exercise shareholder voice on behalf of our clients to promote sustainable, long-term value.
Advocate & Collaborate
AIMCo actively contributes to investor dialogue, demonstrating thought leadership and advocacy in alignment with our ESG focus areas. We submit commentary to national and international bodies and regulators and contribute to investor working groups.
