These are a few questions that were asked of the CPPIB as part of the recent CPPIB bi-annual public meetings. The public has been told by the CPPIB they will get responses. We hope that given the CPPIB has been given top score for transparency of world pension plans this will indeed be the case.
I get the very strong impression that the CPP investments are made on the same kind of hindsight that governs limited corporations. They are like farmers who plow a perfect furrow by looking behind at the plow, heedless of any hazards ahead. What is the point of sucking a bit more money out of a system that will kill the hopes, dreams, and often the bodies of your grandchildren? I don’t have any, because I saw the future early. Why not invest in carbon-negative synthetic fuel to save us the expense of converting everything to electric, and turning every recalcitrant petro-head into a Green asset? Bob Stuart, 73, Spiritwood, SK
I would like my question addressed at the upcoming Virtual National meeting:
When will CPP leadership respond to the March 2021 letter (https://www.justpeaceadvocates.ca/cppib-urged-to-divest-from-israeli-war-crimes/) signed by over 70 organisations and 5,600 individuals urging them to divest from companies listed in the UN database as complicit in Israeli war crimes?
Further, the CPP has more than $21 billion invested in fossil fuel producers and $870 million in global weapons dealers. These investments are not compatible with the values the Canadian government and a vast majority of Canadians hold with respect to addressing climate change and against funding war. How can Michel Leduc hide behind the claim that “”shareholder engagement”” will be more effective than divestment, when it hasn’t been to date?
Why won’t CPP invest in green bonds and other offerings that are designed to support more hopeful, liveable, and sustainable futures for the next generation? I am ashamed about the lack of action on this issue by CCPIB, who position themselves as a steward to “”safeguard”” our future through sustainable investing.
Given that the CPP Board states its intention is to invest “sustainably” “for our future”, can you tell me how investing in fossil fuels (instead of renewables) and in weapons industries contributes to a sustainable future for us? These investments are heading us in exactly the wrong direction. Sally Campbell, Hornby Island, BC
The acquisition and privatization of a Brazil public water firm by CPPIB are socially harmful and economically risky moves. Canada’s largest union has demanded that the $387.1 billion Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) abandon its investment in a private water and sewage treatment service provider in Brazil. What are your plans to drop this investment? Has this changed with the election in Brazil?
If the CPPIB is concerned about reputational risks why is it investing in weapon manufacturing, human rights violation including by Israel, fossil fuels, privatization of public services in the Global South? Why was the CPPIB able to divest from US prisons but not other reputational risks?
You have mentioned at at least one of the regional meetings that there was no CPPIB investments in Russia? Was there any Russian investment funds in February 2022, or at any point before or after? When and what Russian investments were divested/dropped? How and why was this decision made?
Does the CPPIB have any Ukrainian investments currently, and how has this changed in the last decade?
How was the NOON time down town locations in 9 cities chosen? How were the cities decided on (other than one per province). For example why London? What thought was given to the accessibility of the these meetings for people who are working given the noon time in down town locations? What promotion was done for these meetings? With only about 20 or 30 people attending even in the larger centers why do you think this was the case? Why only 1 hour for questions in the in person meetings?
An earlier question asked about geo-politics and in particular investments in China. John answered the question from broader geo-political but did not answer if there is investments in China? How has the investments in China changed over the last couple of decades? Has there been consideration in any divestments from China?
You mentioned the investment in Canada being “overweight” with 15% of portfolio with Canada’s global GDP 3%. Why is one company making up about 50% of the Canadian investment (54% in 2020, but more market value in 2021 and 2022 at year end)? This company is being reviewed by the UN for its complicity on the Jerusalem Light Rail? Would diversity of investments and companies not violating human rights and international law not be more prudent?