The challenge of managing investments responsibly in the midst of a worsening global climate crisis and an accelerating energy transition is hard enough for any pension fund. But blatant, inappropriate political interference in the governance of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), Alberta’s “independent” public pension manager, could make prudently navigating these escalating climate risks impossible.

In deciding whether or not to support a shareholder proposal calling for full disclosure of Enbridge’s scope 3 emissions on May 8th, Canada’s largest pension funds need look no further than their own policies, reports or membership in Climate Engagement Canada.

On May 8th, Enbridge is holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM), where the shareholders and executives of Canada’s largest fossil fuel pipeline company will gather to make key decisions about the coming year. Shareholders will be voting on a proposal asking the company to “annually disclose all of its scope 3 emissions using accepted definitions and in absolute terms.”

For Canada’s pension sector, voting for the scope 3 emissions proposal at Enbridge’s AGM should be a no-brainer.

Shift welcomes the release of the Climate Engagement Canada Focus List. Company engagement is an essential part of any credible finance institution’s zero-emissions transition strategy. There are however, some important caveats to engagement which must be considered, especially when it comes to oil and gas companies.