La Caisse CEO says climate investment growing despite headwinds

Canadian asset owner La Caisse has published the latest edition of its sustainable investing report. The group – which manages pensions and insurance capital from Québec’s public sector – has reported  approximately $167bn (C$226bn) in climate action investments. That represents over 50% of its 2030 target.

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Charles Emond, president and chief executive officer of La Caisse says progress has defied headwinds.

“Sustainable investing had a tough time in 2025. Climate commitments, as well as social issues, faced numerous challenges. But not at La Caisse. Staying true to our convictions despite the headwinds, which have grown stronger, is something we can all be proud of”, he commented.

In a strategy unveiled last June, La Caisse set out a climate action investment target of roughly $296bn (C$400bn). Having achieved interim emissions reduction targets ahead of schedule, La Caisse recognised that emissions inside its portfolio had reduced faster than those outside it.

Edmond says strategic shifts reflect the group’s focus on performance and intergenerational responsibility towards pensioners. “As the manager of the savings of six million Quebecers, we want to generate performance while doing what’s responsible for future generations”, he adds.

Its new climate investment strategy – of which the climate action target was a part – was aimed at supporting companies decarbonise in addition to investing in climate solutions.

“In a rapidly changing environment, our responsibility as a long-term investor is to take concrete action. At La Caisse, this reality compels us to rigorously and pragmatically refine our practices to fully integrate sustainability into the heart of our investment activities,” explains Emmanuel Jaclot, executive vice-president and head of infrastructure and sustainability at La Caisse.

La Caisse ranks highest in pension fund climate scores published by Shift, a pensions research and advocacy group. While welcoming La Caisse’s climate investment strategy shift, Shift has called for credible implementation of investment plans with a view to avoid ‘high carbon lock in’ in pursuit of real-world emissions reduction.

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