Canadians are increasingly interested in responsible investments (RI), found a survey conducted for Desjardins.

RI includes investing in funds that contribute to social causes like affordable housing or fighting climate change. The survey found that between 2016 and 2018, Canadians became more familiar with, and interested in, these types of investments.

In 2016, only 13 per cent of respondents said they were familiar with responsible investing. In 2018, 34 per cent of respondents said they were familiar with RI.

In 2018, when asked if they were interested in responsible investing, 72 per cent of respondents said yes. This is up from 66 per cent two years earlier.

In addition, 18 per cent of respondents said they had discussed responsible investing with their financial advisor in 2018. This is an increase from 13% in 2016.

Noting that Desjardins has been offering RI products for more than 25 years, Guy Cormier, President and CEO of Desjardins Group, stated, “It's clear to us that responsible investing isn't just a passing fad; it's a concrete way for people to effect social and environmental change through their financial choices. The survey reveals that we must continue our financial education initiatives in RI, which have been very successful.”

He added that Desjardins has partnered with the Responsible Investment Association to provide training to 500 RI advisors, who will then be able to offer Desjardins’ members and clients better decision-making support.