Montreal, July 12, 2023 – Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc. (DGAM), acting as manager and portfolio advisor for Desjardins Exchange Traded Funds (Desjardins ETFs), today announced its intention to seek unitholder approval to amend the current investment objectives of Desjardins RI Canada Multifactor - Low CO2 ETF, Desjardins RI USA Multifactor - Low CO2 ETF, Desjardins RI Developed ex-USA ex-Canada Multifactor - Low CO2 ETF, Desjardins RI Emerging Markets Multifactor - Low CO2 ETF, Desjardins RI Global Multifactor - Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF, Desjardins RI Canada - Low CO2 Index ETF, Desjardins RI USA - Low CO2 Index ETF, Desjardins RI Active Canadian Bond - Low CO2 ETF, Desjardins RI Developed ex-USA ex-Canada - Low CO2 Index ETF and Desjardins RI Emerging Markets - Low CO2 Index ETF (collectively, the ETFs). DGAM believes that the proposed changes will benefit unitholders by allowing our ETFs to attain their investment objectives through the use of an improved portfolio construction process and a modernised responsible investment approach.
The proposed changes to the investment objectives of the ETFs will be voted on at special meetings of unitholders to be held virtually on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. (Montreal time). The record date for the purpose of determining which unitholders are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the special meetings, is Monday, July 31, 2023. Full details regarding the proposed amendments will be set out in a Management Information Circular that will be made available to unitholders of record. Subject to unitholder approval, it is currently anticipated that each proposed change in investment objectives will be implemented on or about September 15, 2023 (the Effective Date). All costs and expenses associated with the special meetings and the change in investment objectives will be borne by the Manager.
Management fee reduction
If the proposed changes to the investment objectives of the ETFs is approved by unitholders and implemented, the management fee for certain ETFs will be reduced, as set out in the table below, on the Effective Date. All other fees of the ETFs will not be impacted.
Desjardins ETF |
Current Management Fee (annual rate as a % of net asset value) |
Proposed Management Fee (annual rate as a % of net asset value) |
Desjardins RI Canada Multifactor - Low CO2 ETF |
0.50% |
0.40% |
Desjardins RI USA Multifactor - Low CO2 ETF |
0.50% |
0.40% |
Desjardins RI Developed ex-USA ex-Canada Multifactor - Low CO2 ETF |
0.60% |
0.45% |
Desjardins RI Global Multifactor - Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF |
0.60% |
0.50% |
Name changes
If the proposed changes to the investment objectives of the ETFs is approved by unitholders and implemented, the names of certain ETFs will be changed to the following on the Effective Date:
Current Name |
Proposed Name |
Desjardins RI Canada Multifactor - Low CO2 ETF |
Desjardins RI Canada Multifactor - Net-Zero Emissions Pathway ETF |
Desjardins RI USA Multifactor - Low CO2 ETF |
Desjardins RI USA Multifactor - Net-Zero Emissions Pathway ETF |
Desjardins RI Developed ex-USA ex-Canada Multifactor - Low CO2 ETF |
Desjardins RI Developed ex-USA ex-Canada Multifactor - Net-Zero Emissions Pathway ETF |
Desjardins RI Emerging Markets Multifactor - Low CO2 ETF |
Desjardins RI Emerging Markets Multifactor - Net-Zero Emissions Pathway ETF |
Desjardins RI Canada - Low CO2 Index ETF |
Desjardins RI Canada - Net-Zero Emissions Pathway ETF |
Desjardins RI USA - Low CO2 Index ETF |
Desjardins RI USA - Net-Zero Emissions Pathway ETF |
Desjardins RI Active Canadian Bond - Low CO2 ETF |
Desjardins RI Active Canadian Bond - Net-Zero Emissions Pathway ETF |
Desjardins RI Developed ex-USA ex-Canada - Low CO2 Index ETF |
Desjardins RI Developed ex-USA ex-Canada - Net-Zero Emissions Pathway ETF |
Desjardins RI Emerging Markets - Low CO2 Index ETF |
Desjardins RI Emerging Markets - Net-Zero Emissions Pathway ETF |
DGAM will issue an additional press release announcing the unitholder vote results.
For more information about the ETFs and other Desjardins ETFs, visit the manager’s website at www.desjardinsETF.com.
Desjardins Exchange Traded Funds are not guaranteed, their value fluctuates frequently and their past performance is not indicative of their future returns. Commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with an investment in exchange traded funds. Please read the prospectus before investing. Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc. is the manager and portfolio manager of the Desjardins Exchange Traded Funds. The Desjardins Exchange Traded Funds are offered by registered dealers.
For more information (media inquiries only):
Public relations, Desjardins Group
514-281-7000 or 1-866-866-7000, ext. 5553436
media@desjardins.com