Montréal, June 15, 2022 – Bâtirente held its annual general meeting today, with renewal being the dominating theme. Yvan Duceppe, Chair of the Board and Éric Filion, Chief Executive Officer—both of whom took up their duties in 2021—took this opportunity to announce the extraordinary results. Driven by various new unions that decided to join Bâtirente in 2021, the corporation presented a very positive balance sheet to group representatives and partners, who had come together virtually and in person in Montréal.
“The exceptional results achieved in 2021, for the benefit of Bâtirente’s groups and members, attest to the team’s resilience and its ability to adapt in the pandemic context,” emphasized Éric Filion. Today, more than 25,000 members from 317 remarkably loyal unions and groups are what give the corporation its strength.
“With nearly $1 billion in accumulated member savings, Bâtirente has earned its boasting rights as a strong organization, one which allows its members to take advantage of an extensive range of services, high-performance funds and reduced fees,” noted Yvan Duceppe.
Climate commitment
A leader in responsible investment, Bâtirente unveiled its ambitious climate commitment in 2020. One year later, the results are positive and encouraging. “We are confident about completing our four ambitious objectives,” stated Éric Filion. In fact, Bâtirente reduced its carbon footprint by 14% within two years. To actively contribute to environmental solutions and participate in the transition to a low-carbon economy, Bâtirente significantly increased its impact investments, which amounted to $233M as of December 31, 2021.
Bâtirente honours its Builders
During the AGM, Bâtirente paid tribute to a passionate activist and the corporation’s first CEO, Daniel Simard, who was named General Coordinator in 2000. The latter is retiring after a 44-year career with the CSN labour movement.
He was inducted into the Builders’ Honour Roll in 2022, joining three other individuals who, like himself, were successful in helping the organization achieve its mission. As such, those already inducted include Jacques Allard (posthumously), who served on the board from 1987 to 2001; Léopold Beaulieu, former CEO of Fondaction; and Claude Rioux, Director, from 1987 to 2004. Daniel Simard recounts his inspiring journey in the [wpfilebase tag=fileurl id=400 linktext=’* annual report’ /].
Board transition and elections
Hélène Jacques, an independent member since March 2019, was re-elected for a second term and confirmed by the board of directors to replace Vice-Chair Nathalie Arguin. “I wish to acknowledge the contribution of Nathalie Arguin to the corporation’s sound governance, and I am pleased with the election of Hélène Jacques. Her expertise will be of great value as we deal with the challenges that lie ahead for us!” said Yvan Duceppe. During the meeting, those elected as Category A representatives included Christian Cyr, Coordinator of the Comité intersectoriel du secteur privé de la CSN, for a third term; and Simon Mathieu Malenfant, Vice-President, Treasury, of the FEESP-CSN union, for a first term. Elected Category B representatives were Nicolas Docquier of the Syndicat national des employés du papier de Candiac labour union, for a second term; Pierre Leduc of the Syndicat national des produits chimiques de Valleyfield (CSN) union, for his fourth term; and Kevin Gagnon of the Syndicat des Travailleuses et Travailleurs de Bridgestone de Joliette (CSN) union, for his first term.
About Bâtirente
Bâtirente is a group retirement system created in 1987 at the initiative of the CSN. It allows 25,000 workers, grouped in 317 labour unions, to benefit from pension plans tailored to their needs by pooling their savings.
A pioneer in responsible investing, Bâtirente believes that actively managing its investee companies’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks helps ensure sound capitalization of the pension plan as well as long-term economic and social development, which are both required for sustainable financial performance.
For more information
Katya Vanbeselaere
Communications and Marketing Manager
514 525-5740, ext. 2425
kv@batirente.com