Press release

Investment is consistent with the Fond de solidarité FTQ’s Sustainable Development Plan 

Montréal, March 6, 2017 – In an effort to contribute to a prosperous, sustainable and responsible economy, the Fonds de solidarité FTQ has acquired $22.9 million in Government of Québec green bonds. The transaction is part of the Fonds’ fixed-income securities strategy. This is the Québec government’s first green bonds issue, announced on February 24. 

“The Fonds’ Sustainable Development Plan strives for economic development that integrates economic, social and environmental dimensions so as to benefit people and communities. The Québec government’s green bonds, which will fund public transit projects such as the replacement of the Société de transport de Montréal’s metro cars with AZUR trains and the purchase of hybrid buses, fit in perfectly with this objective,” said Mario Tremblay, Vice-President, Public and Corporate Affaires, at the Fonds de solidarité FTQ. 

The Fonds alone has acquired 4.6% of this first $500 million green bond issue. The transaction was made possible by the involvement of a Fonds partner company, Addenda Capital, which like the Fonds is a signatory to the United Nations’ Principles of Responsible Investment (PRI). Addenda has long been known for its commitment to sustainable investing. 

As mentioned in the Government of Québec’s press release: 

• “The Green Bonds Program builds on the basic Green Bonds Principles, a set of guidelines developed in 2014 by a group of banks to foster greater transparency in this growing market.

The program’s framework received the highest possible rating from CICERO (Center for International Climate and Environmental Research - Oslo).”[1] 

About the Fonds de solidarité FTQ 

The Fonds de solidarité FTQ is a development capital fund that channels the savings of Quebecers into investments. As at November 30, 2016, the organization had $12.2 billion in net assets, and through its current portfolio of investments has helped create and protect over 187,000 jobs. The Fonds is a partner in more than 2,600 companies and has nearly 618,000 shareholder-savers. fondsftq.com 

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Information for media representatives only: 

Patrick McQuilken

Senior Advisor, Media Relations and Communications

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

Telephone: 514 850-4835

Mobile: 514 703-5587

Email: pmcquilken@fondsftq.com