Author: Alicia Rasmussen

As 2030 nears, climate transition plans have emerged as a way for organizations to plan and communicate their efforts to achieve their climate ambitions. Transition plans are strategies for aligning business activities with the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. Like any business strategy, they play a role in clarifying objectives, setting key performance indicators (KPIs) and outlining resourcing and accountabilities to inform broader strategies. Canada’s largest banks have all released their latest climate-related disclosures, detailing progress on their transition plans. Below are our key takeaways on the state-of-play of climate transition planning for Canadian FIs and our recommendations for how FIs can prioritize their climate efforts throughout the balance of 2025.

The 2025 Social Finance Forum brought together a diverse community of 500+ investors, philanthropists, community leaders, entrepreneurs and enablers working to grow Canada’s economic systems with purpose. Held in Toronto in mid-June, the Forum served as a powerful reminder that there remains a strong and growing commitment to advancing positive social and environmental outcomes related to Indigenous reconciliation, equity, climate, food and housing through finance, even in a complex economic and political landscape.

To navigate the transition to a low-carbon economy, financial institutions must have a clear, credible understanding of the climate-related risks and opportunities tied to their investment portfolio.

More than 1,000 delegates gathered in Montreal from May 13 to 15 to attend the 2025 Sustainable Finance Summit — organized by Finance Montreal — one of Canada’s largest gatherings of sustainable finance professionals. The event was an opportunity to reflect on the path forward and marked the launch of the Business Future Pathways, an investor-led initiative created to provide guidance to Canadian companies on developing credible climate transition plans.

Q+P welcomes Charlotte Reid to our experienced team offering leading sustainability, climate change and impact advisory services for investors and businesses. “Charlotte's climate policy and analytics expertise will strengthen the support we provide clients as they navigate complex sustainability challenges. We are delighted to welcome her to our team,” said Tony Pringle, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder.

This year’s First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) conference underscored that true reconciliation requires more than financial backing, especially in the energy transition, where Indigenous Peoples are not only eager to participate but are essential to its success. Centered on the theme of Unlocking Capital for Indigenous Equity Investments, the conference was attended by leaders from Indigenous Nations, industry, government and the financial sector.

System-level investing focuses on addressing large-scale environmental, social and financial challenges that can affect long-term performance across investment portfolios and markets. It is based on the idea that investors – particularly large asset owners – can influence the systems they invest in through capital allocation and stewardship activities. It also acknowledges that many of the biggest risks to long-term returns come from systemic issues, such as climate change, income inequality, and economic stability.

Asset owners support healthy economies by providing necessary capital and using their influence to drive stable financial systems. In 2020 and 2024, Quinn+Partners collaborated with a major Canadian pension to conduct global landscape reviews of responsible investment (RI) practices among leading asset owners. These findings offer actionable insights for asset owners to refine their strategies, navigate risk and create long-term value for beneficiaries.

For a third year, we are pleased to share Quinn+Partners’ pay equity data in honour of International Women's Day, celebrated earlier this month. A fair and inclusive workplace is one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We believe that when people who identify as women are treated respectfully and equitably, it not only empowers them but also drives organizational growth and well-being.