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ARTICLE · 02 NOVEMBER 2015

Final FSCO Guidance On Environmental, Social And Governance Factors Released

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
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On October 21, 2015, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) released its investment guidance note on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors (Guidance Note) in final form.

CanadaEmployment and HR
Blakes Pensions, Benefits & Executive Compensation Group
Blakes Pensions, Benefits & Executive Compensation Group
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On October 21, 2015, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) released its investment guidance note on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors (Guidance Note) in final form. A draft version of the Guidance Note was previously released for public consultation on June 29, 2015.

The stated purpose of the Guidance Note is to provide information and guidelines to administrators of Ontario registered pension plans with respect to ESG factors in order to assist administrators in meeting the requirements of section 78(3) of Regulation 909 (Regulation) under the Pension Benefits Act (Ontario) relating to statements of investment policies and procedures (SIPPs). Effective January 1, 2016, these requirements include disclosure in the SIPP as to whether ESG factors are incorporated into the plan's investment policies and procedures and, if so, how such factors are incorporated.

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