WHEN YOUR INVESTMENT BOMBS

Transcription

1 WHEN YOUR INVESTMENT BOMBS A Summary of Canadian Financial Institutions Investments in Cluster Munitions Researched and compiled by Kristin Pristupa

2 GLOSSARY CCM CMC CSR ESG FI MAC SRI Convention on Cluster Munitions Cluster Munition Coalition Corporate Social Responsibility Environment, social and governance Financial Institution Mines Action Canada Socially Responsible Investment 2

3 WHEN YOUR INVESTMENT BOMBS SUMMARY, BACKGROUND & OUR RESEARCH REPORT 4 SUMMARY OF CANADIAN FI INVESTMENT INVOLVEMENT 9 CANADIAN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS & INDIVIDUAL RECOMMENDATIONS Currently Implicated Banks Caisse de Depot et Placement du Québec Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) CI Financial Corporation Scotiabank (Bank of Nova Scotia) Previously Implicated Banks Bank of Montreal (BMO) Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Toronto Dominion Bank (TD) Other Domestic Banks/Subsidiaries Bank West (owned by Western Financial Group) Bridgewater Bank Canadian Tire Bank Canadian Western Bank Citizens Bank of Canada CS Alterna Bank DirectCash Bank Dundee Bank of Canada First Nations Bank of Canada General Bank of Canada HomEquity Bank Jameson Bank Laurentian Bank of Canada Manulife Bank of Canada National Bank of Canada Pacific & Western Bank of Canada President's Choice Bank Vancouver Savings Credit Union (owner of Citizens Bank of Canada) Western Financial Group (owner of Bank West) 39 CONCLUSION AND GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS 41 WHAT YOU CAN DO, CONTACT MINES ACTION CANADA & FURTHER INFORMATION 42 3

4 Summary, background & our research report What are cluster bombs and what is the problem? Cluster bombs (also called cluster munitions) include cargo containers and submunitions (or bomblets). When fired, launched or dropped from the air or fired from the ground, the containers open and disperse hundreds or even thousands of bomblets over a large area which results in dense contamination. These bomblets can pierce armour and kill anyone within a range of 50 metres with its explosive lethal charge. The bomblets can spread over an area as wide as several football fields and cannot distinguish between military or civilian targets. They also have a failure rate that ranges from 5-30% which means that those that do not explode ( duds ) become explosive remnants of war and pose a continuing and fatal risk to surrounding communities. 1 The Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) is a legally binding international treaty that forbids the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of cluster bombs. The CCM is the result of the Oslo Process which began in February 2007 following the failure of government talks within the traditional forum for discussing weapons-related issues. Subsequent meetings were held and the CCM was finally negotiated and wording was adopted on May 30, 2008 at the Dublin Diplomatic Conference 2. To enter into force, 30 countries must ratify it (they must pass national legislation to criminalize the use, production, stockpiling or transfer of cluster bombs by its citizens and deposit its laws with the United Nations). As of January 2010, 104 countries have signed the treaty (including Canada), and 26 countries have ratified the treaty: 4 more are needed for the CCM to enter into international force 3. For more information on cluster bombs and their impact, see our website: What is MAC doing to ensure your investment doesn t bomb? Mines Action Canada is running a national disinvestment campaign with the goals of: Having all Canadian banks clarify their positions on providing financing (director or indirect) to cluster munition producers Educating the financial community on the impacts of victim-activated weapons and the need to ban their production Researching and verifying involvement of Canadian financial institutions in funding cluster munition producers Producing a report on the state of Canadian investment in cluster munition producers Advocating for the strongest possible interpretation of banning assistance in the production of cluster bombs as included in Article 1 c) of the Cluster Munition Convention. 1 Mines Action Canada, Learn-Cluster Bombs, Ottawa, 2010, 2 Cluster Munition Coalition, The Solution, London, 2010, 3 Cluster Munition Coalition, Treaty Status, London, 2010, 4

5 Key Messages 4 Although 98% of cluster bomb victims are civilians, cluster bomb producers do not have any problems attracting capital from financial markets. Canadian financial institutions have been implicated in providing funds to companies that produce cluster bombs. The Ottawa Treaty banning landmines and the Convention on Cluster Munitions state each State Party undertakes never under any circumstance to assist, encourage or induce, in any way anyone to engage in any activity prohibited to a State Party under this Convention. Financing the production of antipersonnel mines or cluster bombs or their components should clearly constitute assistance or encouragement, but in reality the implementation of these treaties does not automatically lead to banning these types of investments. MAC is working towards a Canadian ban on direct and indirect investments by researching the involvement and clarifying policies of Canadian financial institutions; encouraging Canadians to question how their money is being used; and advocating for Canadian legislation that would ban such investments. MAC is calling on financial institutions to be transparent regarding their policies of investing in companies producing cluster bombs and their components. To facilitate this, MAC is also asking the public to proactively ask their financial institutions for these policies and changes to be made to these policies to more explicitly ban these types of investments, if needed. Campaign Background 5 When your investment bombs is the Canadian component of the international Explosive Investments disinvestment campaign coordinated by the Cluster Munition Coalition. This campaign is a global movement to raise awareness and push for action to deny funds to cluster munition producers as the CCM becomes international law in The financing of cluster munitions producers gives legitimacy to these companies and their production of these weapons and should be considered illegal. The Reports A February 2007 report by Netwerk Vlaanderen, a Belgian organization that promotes a socially responsible approach to money, focused on six cluster munition producers and found that 68 financial institutions played a role in financing these companies. 6 During this reporting period, four Canadian banks were identified as investing in cluster munition producers: Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), Bank of Montreal, Royal Bank of Canada and Toronto Dominion. See the report here: In October 2009 Netwerk Vlaanderen (Belgium) and IKV Pax Christi (Netherlands) released a report entitled Worldwide Investments in Cluster Munitions: A shared responsibility. This publication reports on financial institutions investment in companies that are involved in the 4 Mines Action Canada, Key Messages, Ottawa, 2010, 5 Mines Action Canada, Background, Ottawa, Netwerk Vlaanderen, Explosive Investments: Financial Institutions and Cluster Munitions, Brussels, February 2007, 5

6 manufacturing of cluster munitions, financial institutions that are disinvesting in such companies and best practice legislation that prohibits the investments in cluster munitions. 7 During this reporting period, five Canadian financial institutions were identified as investing in cluster munition producers (see next section). See the report here: The Netwerk Vlaanderen and IKV Pax Christi report has placed eight companies on a Red Flag List of Cluster Munitions Producers including: Alliant Techsystems (United States), Hanwha (South Korea), L-3 Communications (United States), Lockheed Martin (United States), Poongsan (South Korea), Roketsan (Turkey), Singapore Technologies Engineering (Singapore), Textron (United States) 8. Canadian Financial Institutions A variety of financial institutions (FIs) operate in Canada including banks, insurance companies, investment funds and banks, pension funds, multilateral financial institutions and government funds. These FIs play a key role in financing international companies that require their resources to operate. Since they are profit-driven, the majority of these institutions make investment decisions based on profit maximizing criteria and frequently invest in companies and projects that do not take into account human rights, armed conflict or environmental destruction. Client s money (yours and mine) is used to make these investments and if our financial institution does not have a comprehensive responsible investment policy regarding weapons and cluster bombs, our money could be used to invest in the production of cluster bombs. The Netwerk Vlaanderen and IKV Pax Christi report has identified six Canadian financial institutions as investing in one or more of the eight companies on the Red Flag list. These are: BMO Financial Group, Caisse de Depot et Placement du Québec, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CCPIB), Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), CI Financial Corporation and Scotiabank (Bank of Nova Scotia). These financial institutions are implicated in financing cluster munition producers through their participation in international financing syndicates, including ownership or management of bonds and shares and/or provision of loan facility. As such, they are providing indirect assistance to the manufacturers of cluster bombs that cause unacceptable harm to civilians. The same report placed Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in their Runners Up category which includes FIs that have taken steps to ban investments in cluster munition manufacturing companies; these steps are however not comprehensive enough and allow for certain loopholes for indirect investment. 9 7 IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide Investments in Cluster Munitions: A shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, 8 IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide Investments in Cluster Munitions: A shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, p IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide Investments in Cluster Munitions: A shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, p.9. 6

7 Our Research and Report The Canadian banking industry includes 22 Schedule I (domestic) banks that are authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions to operate in Canada. 10 Schedule I banks are the focus of research due to their Canadian domestic status and registration, the fact that their executive bodies and boards must adhere to and operate under Canadian law, and that they must adhere to Canadian regulations. Subsidiaries were also contacted where possible to determine their policy positions in relation to their owner institution. The Equator Principles are a set of financial industry benchmarks for determining, assessing and managing social and environmental risk in project financing. 11 Many Schedule I banks have signed on to and adhere to the Equator Principles, however they do not have industry-specific standards and thus do not regulate or guide FIs responsible investment policies pertaining to cluster munitions. 12 For the purpose of this research, a producer of cluster munitions is defined as follows: Any company or group of companies that, itself or through a subsidiary, develops or produces cluster munitions and/or explosive submunitions according to the definition in the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Any company or group of companies that, itself or through a subsidiary, develops or produces key components for cluster munitions or explosive submunitions. We consider a company or group of companies a cluster munitions producer when any part, however small, of its total turnover is derived from cluster munitions regardless of the nature of the company s other activities. We do so, because most cluster munitions are made by companies that also produce other defence and/or civil products. Since the Government of Canada has not yet ratified the Convention on Cluster Munitions, there are no current Canadian regulations that prohibit financial institutions from financing cluster munitions. Mines Action Canada conducted this research over the period of November 2009 to January 2010 to determine where Canadian FIs stand, promote transparency of these policies, to work with them to develop or strengthen their disinvestment policies, and to provide a reference for the Canadian public to be equipped with this knowledge and to be able to invest responsibly. Please note that this report was prepared with the best information available to us at the time of writing. We welcome all comments and corrections to ensure that this information is as accurate as possible. Comments can be sent to [email protected]. 10 Canadian Bankers Association, Banks Operating in Canada, 2010, 11 The Equator Principles, July 2006, from Samantha Hoskins, Equator Principles Financial Institutions Secretariat, Equator Principles, 1 December

8 Disinvestment Campaign Recommendations for Canadian Financial Institutions 13 Financial institutions should develop policies that exclude all financial links with companies involved in producing cluster munitions. Because any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made for third-party financial services, for funds that follow an index or for civilian project financing for a company also involved in cluster munitions. Policies should not be narrowed to refusing project financing for cluster munitions. Financial institutions should inform the producing company that it has decided to end investment because of the company s involvement with cluster munitions. The financial institutions can set clear deadlines with a limited time frame within which the company must cease production of cluster munitions if it wishes the disinvestment decision to be reversed. When a company persists in producing cluster munitions after the set deadline, the financial institution will disinvest until the company terminates production of cluster munitions. New applications for investment will be declined until the company has halted all activities related to the production of cluster munitions. Financial intuitions should apply their disinvestment policy to all activities: commercial banking, investment banking and asset management. All such activities aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions. When this new course of action requires a change in investment fund management, investors should be notified of this and given a deadline for withdrawing from these funds. After this deadline, management strategy will change and shares and obligations in companies involved in cluster munitions will be sold. 13 Borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide Investments in Cluster Munitions: A shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, p.8. 8

9 Summary of Canadian FI investment implicated involvement 14 Hall of Shame The following overview summarizes the types of financial relationships that financial institutions have with producers of cluster munitions. Key: B = ownership or management of (convertible) bonds, L = provision of loan facility, S = ownership or management of shares, X = underwriting of share issues, Y = underwriting of bonds issues. Financial Institution Country of origin Cluster munitions producers Alliant Techsystems ATK (US) Hanwha (South Korea) L-3 Communication s (US) Lockheed Martin (US) Poongsan (South Korea) Roketsan (Turkey) Singapore Technologies (Singapore) Textron BMO Financial Canada L Group Caisse de Depot Canada S et Placement du Québec Canada Pension Canada S Plan Investment Board Canadian Canada B Imperial Bank of Commerce CI Financial Canada S Corporation Scotiabank Canada L L Runners-up category Financial Institution Royal Bank of Canada Country of origin* Is the policy published? Does the policy exclude cluster munitions producers? Does the policy exclude all cluster munitions producers (no exceptions for certain types?) Does the policy apply to all the products of the financial institution? Canada X X X X Are all company's activities excluded? * The countries of origin of all the financial institutions listed in the Hall of Fame and Runners-up category have signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions 14 Adapted from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide Investments in Cluster Munitions: A shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, p.13. 9

10 Canadian Financial Institutions & Individual Recommendations 1.1 Currently Implicated Banks Caisse de Depot et Placement du Québec The Senior Vice President of Policies and Compliance has been the point person and representative for the Caisse during recent communications with MAC since December MAC forwarded the Caisse information pertaining to the disinvestment campaign, information released in the October 2009 report by IKV Pax Christi and Netwerk Vlaanderen, and disinvestment recommendations. MAC requested clarification regarding the implication of the Caisse s ownership or management of 0.14% of the shares in Poongsan Holding, valued at US$0.1 million 15. The Caisse was requested to clarify its position on the above implication, to disinvest in this and any other investments in cluster munition manufacturers, and to develop a comprehensive disinvestment policy. MAC also welcomed further explanation behind the Caisse s responsible investment policies and practices. The Caisse s Socially Responsible Investment Policy has been in force and made public since The policy acknowledges socially responsible investment as an essential factor in the pursuit of sustainable economic development. It outlines the Caisse s expectations of how they expect companies in which it invests to conduct themselves as good corporate citizens in the communities in which they operate. This policy is applied by taking preliminary steps to determine the company s social, ethical and environmental criteria. The Caisse engages in dialogue with the company regarding issues involved in socially responsible investment. Finally, there is the exercise of proxy voting rights in alignment with the principles under the socially responsible investment policy (see policy link below) 16. The Caisse has verified that this policy does not include any exclusion of sectors or a list of excluded companies based on their socially irresponsible actions. The Caisse favours instead a practice of environment, social and governance (ESG) integration rather than exclusion and screening 17. The Caisse does not have a policy statement or list pertaining to cluster munition manufacturers, though they have been following the Dublin and Oslo processes and are considering the issue of cluster munitions in line with Canada s position and legislation. No formal position has been taken thus far IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide Investments in Cluster Munitions: A shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, p Caisse de Depot et Placement du Québec, Policy on Socially Responsible Investment, January 2008, Montréal, p from Ginette Depelteau, Senior Vice président Policies and Compliance, Caisse de Depot et Placement du Québec, 18 December Ibid. 10

11 The Caisse is aware of the IKP Pax Christi and Netwerk Vlaanderen report, and have stated that the figure of 0.14% of shares with Poongsan Holding is incorrect, yet they have not provided verification or provision of other information regarding this implication 19. Investing Responsibly Webpage Responsible Investment Practices - Webpage Social Responsibility Investment policy (under Governance section under Act, Regulations and policies) - Online Document Contact the Caisse - Webpage Next steps 20 The Caisse should develop a comprehensive disinvestment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The Caisse should inform Poongsan Holding that it has decided to end investment due to the company s involvement as a producer of cluster munitions. The Caisse can set clear deadlines with a limited timeframe within which Poongsan must cease production of cluster munitions if it wishes the disinvestment position to be reversed. The Caisse should apply their disinvestment policy to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) The Director of Investor Relations has been the point person and representative for CIBC during recent communications with MAC since November MAC forwarded CIBC information pertaining to the disinvestment campaign, information released in the October 2009 report by IKV Pax Christi and Netwerk Vlaanderen, and disinvestment recommendations. MAC requested clarification regarding the implication of CIBC s ownership or management of 6.5% of the five-year convertible notes with a coupon rate of 2.75% that Alliant Techsystems (a cluster munition producer) issued in September 2006, valued at US$19.5 million 21. CIBC was 19 Ibid. 20 Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster munitions: a shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, p.8 21 IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide Investments in Cluster Munitions: A shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, p

12 requested to clarify its position on the above implication, to disinvest in this and any other investments in cluster munition manufacturers, and to develop a comprehensive disinvestment policy. MAC also welcomed further explanation behind CIBC s responsible investment policies and practices. Existence of Policy & FI Position At present, CIBC does not have a specific responsible investment policy related to cluster munitions. Nor is there a specific responsible investment policy available outlining CIBC s investment standards and criteria for selection or exclusion of a given investment. CIBC maintains that they are aware of the cluster munition issue and monitors the proceedings that are underway, however has not been in a position to comment on a client relationship where they have a lending arrangement 22. No specific response to the implication with Alliant Techsystems, either confirmation or information to the contrary, has been issued thus far. CIBC does however implement standards and procedures on the lending and wholesale side with regards to environmental risk. Guidance on issues to consider during the investment process has been in place and they do engage with external parties to solicit input when making investment decisions that could negatively affect the environment 23. There is however no similar provision for financing guidance or criteria with regards to weapons or cluster munitions. Annual Accountability Report 2009 Online Document Public Accountability Section only Online Document Contact CIBC - Webpage Next steps 24 CIBC should develop a comprehensive disinvestment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. CIBC should inform Alliant Techsystems that it has decided to end investment due to the company s involvement as a producer of cluster munitions. CIBC can set clear deadlines with a limited timeframe within which Alliant Techsystems must cease production of cluster munitions if it wishes the disinvestment position to be reversed. CIBC should apply their disinvestment policy to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions. 22 Conference call with Jason Patchett, Director of Investor Relations, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, 7 January Conference call with Chris Snyder, Senior Director of Environmental Risk Management, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, 7 January Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster munitions: a shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, p.8 12

13 1.1.3 Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) The Senior Policy Advisor and Vice-President of Communications and Stakeholder Relations have been the point persons and representatives for CPPIB during recent communications with MAC since December MAC forwarded CPPIB information pertaining to the disinvestment campaign, information released in the October 2009 report by IKV Pax Christi and Netwerk Vlaanderen, and disinvestment recommendations. MAC requested clarification regarding the implication of CPPIB s ownership or management of 0.12% of the shares in Hanwha Corporation (a cluster munition producer), valued at US$2 million 25. CPPIB was requested to clarify its position on the above implication, to disinvest in this and any other investments in cluster munition manufacturers, and to develop a comprehensive disinvestment policy. MAC also welcomed further explanation behind CPPIB s responsible investment policies and practices. The Policy on Responsible Investing was first adopted in 2005 in which CPPIB considers environment, social and governance (ESG) factors to guide corporate behaviour and investment management processes. 26 This policy outlines how CPPIB encourages responsible behaviour in their public equity portfolio via an engagement strategy, which is primarily focused on Canadian companies. Engagement processes that incorporate ESG factors include: engagement focus areas through portfolio review, collaborative engagement with other institutional investors, direct engagement with companies, industry dialogue and exercising proxy votes (under a separate policy of Proxy Voting Principles and Guidelines). 27 Engagement focus areas are concentrated around climate change and extractive industries, while engagement beyond these focus areas include a clause on anti-personnel landmines and cluster munitions. 28 This clause states that investment in companies that are not compliant with the Anti-Personnel Mines Convention Implementation Act (Canadian law) is prohibited. Similarly, CPPIB continues to monitor the CCM and the forthcoming Canadian legislation to exclude companies whose practices are not compliant with the Oslo Convention. 29 CPPIB has responded stating that they have recently conducted research on companies in their investment portfolio to request disclosure regarding the company s compliance with the terms of the Convention on Cluster Munitions. CPPIB has subsequently chosen to disinvest in a number of aerospace and defence companies due, in part, to the fact that Canada is a signatory to the Convention. 30 CPPIB has also stated that there are some reports in circulation [unspecified] that incorrectly state that they own shares in companies that produce cluster munitions. CPPIB did not clarify if this, or if their disinvestment process, included Hanwha Corporation. However their listing of 25 IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide Investments in Cluster Munitions: A shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, p CPPIB, Policy on Responsible Investing, Toronto, February 2009, p CPPIB, Policy on Responsible Investing, Toronto, February 2009, p CPPIB, 2009 Report on Responsible Investing, Toronto, July 2009, p CPPIB, 2009 Report on Responsible Investing, Toronto, July 2009, p from Ian M. C. Dale, Senior Vice President of Communications and Stakeholder Relations, CCPIB, 21 December

14 foreign publicly-traded equity holdings shows CPPIB portfolio holdings as of March 31, 2009 and Hanwha Corporation is not listed, which means that these shares could have been sold. 31 Responsible Investing Webpage Policy on Responsible Investing Online Document CPPIB 2009 Report on Responsible Investing Online Document Contact CPPIB - Webpage Next steps 32 CPPIB should develop a comprehensive disinvestment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. Since not yet clarified, CPPIB should inform Hanwha Corporation that it has decided to end investment due to the company s involvement as a producer of cluster munitions. CPPIB can set clear deadlines with a limited timeframe within which Hanwha Corporation must cease production of cluster munitions if it wishes the disinvestment position to be reversed. CPPIB should apply their disinvestment policy to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions CI Financial Corporation Following a series of attempts to contact senior management at CI Financial Corporation, the Director of Communications responded to MAC s inquiries in January MAC forwarded CI Financial information pertaining to the disinvestment campaign, information released in the October 2009 report by IKV Pax Christi and Netwerk Vlaanderen, and disinvestment recommendations. MAC requested clarification regarding the implication of CI Financial s ownership or management of 1.4% of shares in Alliant Techsystems, valued at US$31 million 33. CI Financial was requested to clarify its position on the above implication, to disinvest in this and any other investments in cluster munition manufacturers, and to develop a comprehensive disinvestment 31 CPPIB, Foreign Publicly-Traded Equity Holdings as of March 31, 2009, Toronto, March 2009, 32 Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster munitions: a shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, p.8 33 IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide Investments in Cluster Munitions: A shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, p

15 policy. MAC also welcomed further explanation behind CI Financial s responsible investment policies and practices. CI Financial has clarified that their primary business is to offer investment funds to retail investors in Canada. Their 100 plus mutual funds have investment mandates that vary according to factors such as asset class, geographical focus and sector focus. The investment mandates of its funds cannot be unilaterally changed due to securities legislation. In relation to any existence of responsible investment policies, CI responded that: CI s funds do not currently have social investment screens. There has been no demand from the investors in our funds for such screens and we do not plan to propose social investment criteria for our funds. 34 Contact CI Financial Corporation - Webpage Next steps 35 CI Financial Corporation should develop a comprehensive disinvestment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. CI Financial Corporation should inform Alliant Techsystems that it has decided to end investment due to the company s involvement as a producer of cluster munitions. CI Financial Corporation can set clear deadlines with a limited timeframe within which Alliant Techsystems must cease production of cluster munitions if it wishes the disinvestment position to be reversed. CI Financial Corporation should apply their disinvestment policy to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions Scotiabank (Bank of Nova Scotia) The Senior Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility has been the point person and representative for Scotiabank during recent communications with MAC since November 2009, while the Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility issued the formal response. MAC forwarded Scotiabank information pertaining to the disinvestment campaign, information released in the October 2009 report by IKV Pax Christi and Netwerk Vlaanderen, and disinvestment recommendations. MAC requested clarification regarding the implication of Scotiabank s involvement in the 31- bank syndicate supporting Lockheed Martin s (an implicated cluster munition producer) renewed 34 from Murray Oxby, Director of Communications, CI Investments Inc., 6 January Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster munitions: a shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, p.8 15

16 US$1.5 billion five-year revolving credit facility which has been extended until the end of June Scotiabank contributed US$37.5 million to this facility 36. Additional clarification was requested regarding the implication of Scotiabank s involvement in the 19-bank syndicate supporting the following Textron Financial Corporation (a cluster munition producer) activities: The amendment of Textron s US$1.25 billion five-year revolving credit facility (concluded in March 2005) for the second time, extending the maturity date to April This facility is being used to support the issue of commercial paper. Scotiabank contributed US$45 million to this facility. 37 The amendment of Textron s US$1.75 billion five-year revolving credit facility (secured in April 2006), extending the maturity date to April This credit facility is being used to repay current debts, to support the issue of commercial paper and for general corporate purposes. Scotiabank contributed US$65 million to this facility 38. Scotiabank was requested to clarify its position on the above implications, to disinvest in these and any other investments in cluster munition manufacturers, and to develop a comprehensive disinvestment policy. MAC also welcomed further explanation behind CI Financial s responsible investment policies and practices. Scotiabank also has been implicated in the past related to their investments in cluster munitions producers, including the following: In December 2004 GenCorp (a cluster munitions producer) secured a new US$ 180 million credit facility from a banking syndicate. The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) was involved in arranging this facility. 39 In March 2005 Raytheon (a cluster munitions producer) secured a US$ 2.2 billion ( 1.7 billion) five year revolving credit facility from an international banking syndicate. The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) participated in this syndicate including an investment of US$70 million. 40 In March 2005 Textron Inc. (a cluster munition producer) secured a US$ 1.25 billion ( 1 billion) five year revolving credit facility from an international banking syndicate. The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) participated in this syndicate including an investment of US$45 million. 41 Scotiabank has informed MAC of the existence of their comprehensive risk management framework that is in place and that for several years, the bank has had special provisions in their credit policies with respect to arms and munitions dealers (although no policy information referring to these provisions has been located on their website s publicly available information). 36 IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide Investments in Cluster Munitions: A shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, p IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide Investments in Cluster Munitions: A shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, p IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide Investments in Cluster Munitions: A shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, p Netwerk Vlaanderen, Explosive Investments: Financial Institutions and Cluster Munitions, Brussels, February 2007, p.7 & Ibid. 41 Ibid. 16

17 Scotiabank has verified that they are in the process of updating these policies, which will result in the creation of a bank-wide Restricted Business List, of which, cluster munitions will form a part of. 42 No details or timeline have been given for this process. Scotiabank has stated that due to their respect for privacy of all clients, they are unable to directly discuss implications involving Lockheed Martin and Textron Financial Corporation. 43 Corporate Social Responsibility - Webpage Corporate Social Responsibility Report: Public Accountability Statement Online Document Contact Scotiabank - Webpage Next steps 44 Scotiabank should develop a comprehensive disinvestment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. Scotiabank should inform both Textron Financial Corporation and Lockheed Martin that it has decided to end investments due to the companies involvement as producers of cluster munitions. Scotiabank can set clear deadlines with a limited timeframe within which both Textron Financial Corporation and Lockheed Martin must cease production of cluster munitions if they wish the disinvestment position to be reversed. Scotiabank should apply their disinvestment policy to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions. 42 from Kaz Flinn, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, Scotiabank, 10 December Ibid. 44 Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster munitions: a shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, p.8 17

18 1.2 Previously Implicated Banks Bank of Montreal (BMO) The Bank of Montreal (BMO) has past implications relating to their investments in cluster munitions producers. In March 2005 Textron Inc. secured a US$ 1.25 billion ( 1 billion) five year revolving credit facility from an international banking syndicate, in which the Bank of Montreal invested US$45 million. 45 The Director of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability has been the point person and representative for BMO during recent communications with MAC since November The Director had also responded to earlier inquiries by MAC in February MAC forwarded BMO information pertaining to the disinvestment campaign, information released in the October 2009 report by IKV Pax Christi and Netwerk Vlaanderen, and disinvestment recommendations. BMO was requested to clarify its policy position and current status relating to the previous implication, to disinvest in this and any other investments in cluster munition manufacturers, and to develop a comprehensive disinvestment policy. MAC also welcomed further explanation behind BMO s responsible investment policies and practices. Under the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Glossary webpage, BMO has included a policy statement relating to the arms industry and cluster munitions producers: When making a financing decision, in addition to regular credit criteria, BMO takes into consideration ethical, political, social and economic factors. BMO is not prepared to extend loans for transactions that are outside the national defense policies or international treaty obligations (such as NATO) of Canada and the U.S. and which have as their objective the international transfer of military equipment or civilian equipment for military or internal security purposes. All transactions must be consistent with Canadian and U.S. national defense policies or their international treaty obligations. As well, transactions originated in non-canadian/u.s. jurisdictions must be consistent with the national defense policies or international treaty obligations of the relevant jurisdictions. 46 BMO has stated that they do not discuss specific information related to their clients for confidentiality purposes and as such would not comment on the implication involving their investments in Textron. They also noted that they do not have a policy specific to cluster munitions, but that this would fall under their above-quoted defence and weapons policy. BMO affirms that they continually review their portfolio to understand the various risks associated with 45 Netwerk Vlaanderen, Explosive Investments: Financial Institutions and Cluster Munitions, Brussels, February 2007, p Bank of Montreal, FAQ & Glossary, ,00.html#faq_5b 18

19 certain types of investments Additionally, should the Government of Canada ratify and adopt the Convention on Cluster Munitions, BMO would adhere to this law. 47 Policy Reference to the Arms Industry - Webpage Corporate Responsibility Report and Public Accountability Statement Online Document Contact BMO Webpage Next steps 48 The Bank of Montreal should develop a fully comprehensive disinvestment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. Should BMO continue to be involved in the Textron credit facility whose maturity date was extended until April 2012, BMO should inform Textron that it has decided to end investment due to the company s involvement as a producer of cluster munitions. BMO can set clear deadlines with a limited timeframe within which Textron must cease production of cluster munitions if it wishes the disinvestment position to be reversed. The Bank of Montreal should apply their disinvestment policy to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) has previous implications relating to their investments in cluster munitions producers. In July 2005 EADS (a cluster munition producer) renewed a 3 billion (US$ 3.65 billion) seven year revolving credit facility from an international banking syndicate, in which RBC invested 45 million. 49 The Senior Manager of Enterprise Risk Policy, Group Risk Management, has been the point person and representative for RBC during recent communications with MAC since November MAC forwarded RBC information pertaining to the disinvestment campaign, information released in the October 2009 report by IKV Pax Christi and Netwerk Vlaanderen, and disinvestment recommendations. 47 Conference call with Ula Ubani, Director of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability, Bank of Montreal, 11 January Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 49 Netwerk Vlaanderen, Explosive Investments: Financial Institutions and Cluster Munitions, Brussels, February 2007, p

20 RBC was requested to clarify its policy position and current status relating to the previous implication, to disinvest in this and any other investments in cluster munition manufacturers, and to develop a comprehensive disinvestment policy. MAC also welcomed further explanation behind RBC s responsible investment policies and practices. The October 2009 IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen report categorizes some financial institutions as Runners-up : these institutions have made significant efforts to ban cluster munitions from their investment portfolios. However, they have thus far failed to qualify for the Hall of Fame category due to the existence of loopholes in their current policies that may still permit the financing of cluster munitions. 50 RBC has qualified for the Runners-up category in the above report as it states that it will not be involved in the direct financing of companies that manufacture material for cluster bombs. It has subsequently been recommended that to qualify for the Hall of Fame category, RBC should extend this policy to all of its financial activities (including asset management and investment banking) since it currently only applies to credits. 51 RBC includes environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria in their investment process, and has a responsible lending policy relating to cluster munitions under their Product Responsibility framework 52. RBC will not support or finance transactions that are directly related to trade in or manufacturing of material for nuclear, chemical, and biological warfare, landmines or cluster bombs. 53 RBC has confirmed that it has recently reviewed its policy regarding the financing of cluster munitions and it will be amended as follows (2009 amendments in bold), to be published in the 2009 Corporate Responsibility Report: there are certain types of clients and transactions that must in all cases be avoided. These include the direct financing of companies manufacturing or trading in equipment or materiel for nuclear, chemical or biological warfare, landmines or cluster bombs; and situations where it is clear that RBC would be providing implicit or indirect financing support for transactions involving any of the above activities. 54 MAC requested clarification of the above 2009 amendment, including questions relating to the full exclusion of this policy, if there is room for exceptions in certain situations, if this policy is applied to all services provided (including investment banking, asset management for their own accounts and for third parties), how RBC will be implementing this (i.e. by excluding certain companies or only certain transactions) and how RBC will translate the implicit or direct investments. RBC responded by stating that they believe their policy in its revised state allows for clear interpretation by their various businesses and that any questions that do arise will be 50 IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster munitions: a shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, p IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster munitions: a shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, p Royal Bank of Canada, 2008 Annual Report, Toronto, p.23, and Royal Bank of Canada, 2008 Corporate Responsibility Report and Public Accountability Statement, Toronto, p Royal Bank of Canada, 2008 Corporate Responsibility Report and Public Accountability Statement, Toronto, p from Steve Neale, Senior Manager of Enterprise Risk Policy, Group Risk Management, Royal Bank of Canada, 27 November

21 referred to senior management on a case by case basis. RBC does not believe the policy requires any additional or more detailed explanation. 55 Corporate Responsibility Webpage Corporate Responsibility Report and Public Accountability Statement Online Document Contact RBC - Webpage Next steps 56 RBC should further develop a fully comprehensive disinvestment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions, focusing on the clarifications requested above by MAC in December Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. RBC should apply their disinvestment policy to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions Toronto Dominion Bank (TD) The Toronto Dominion Bank Financial Group (TD) has previous implications relating to their investments in cluster munitions producers. In July 2005 EADS (a cluster munition producer) renewed a 3 billion (US$ 3.65 billion) seven year revolving credit facility from an international banking syndicate, in which TD invested 45 million. 57 The Vice President of Government and Community Relations responded to Mines Action Canada in May 2009 following initial inquiries, while the Senior Manager of Corporate Environmental Affairs has represented TD during recent communications. MAC forwarded TD information pertaining to the disinvestment campaign, information released in the October 2009 report by IKV Pax Christi and Netwerk Vlaanderen, and disinvestment recommendations. TD was requested to clarify its policy position and current status relating to the previous implication, to disinvest in this and any other investments in cluster munition manufacturers, and to develop a comprehensive disinvestment policy. MAC also welcomed further explanation behind TD s responsible investment policies and practices. 55 from Steve Neale, Senior Manager of Enterprise Risk Policy, Group Risk Management, Royal Bank of Canada, 17 December Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 57 Netwerk Vlaanderen, Explosive Investments: Financial Institutions and Cluster Munitions, Brussels, February 2007, p

22 Following MAC correspondence with TD earlier in May 2009, the Vice President of Government and Community Relations responded stating that to date TD had not developed any formal policy specific to cluster munitions. In line with their environment, social and governance (ESG) and sustainable investing approaches, they were however monitoring the Convention on Cluster Munitions. 58 MAC s recent communications with the department for Corporate Environmental Affairs have revealed that TD will insert the following passage to their 2009 Corporate Social Responsibility report: TD does not lend money for transactions that would involve activities within World Heritage sites, would result in degradation of protected critical natural habitats as designated according to World Conservation Union classification, or would involve purchase of timber from illegal logging operations. We do not lend money for transactions that are directly related to the trade in or manufacturing of material for nuclear, chemical or biological weapons, or for landmines or cluster bombs. 59 Corporate Responsibility Webpage Corporate Responsibility Report Online Document Contact Toronto Dominion Webpage Next steps 60 Toronto Dominion Bank should further develop a fully comprehensive disinvestment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. Toronto Dominion should apply their disinvestment policy to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions. 58 Letter from Scott Mullin, Vice President of Government and Community Relations, TD Bank Financial Group, May from Michelle McCulloch, Senior Manager of Corporate Environmental Affairs, TD Bank Financial Group, 22 January Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 22

23 1.3 Other Domestic Banks/Subsidiaries Bank West (owned by Western Financial Group) Bank West, a wholly owned subsidiary of Western Financial Group, is a Schedule I (domestic) bank authorized to operate in Canada. 61 Service provision is focused on insurance and financial services in western Canada. Neither Bank West nor Western Financial Group have been implicated in any investments in cluster munition producers. They were however contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers. A Controller at Bank West responded to inquiries stating that they do not have any foreign investments and do not have any investments in munitions manufacturers. 62 The interim contact for Investor Relations at Western Financial Group also confirmed that neither they nor Bank West invest in any cluster munition manufacturers. The majority of their investments are government bond securities and there is also an investment management policy in place which ensures the adherence to procedures governing securities investment decisions. Their portfolio and policy are reviewed regularly by senior management and the Board of Directors. 63 See also Western Financial Group. Contact Bank West - Webpage Next steps 64 Should Bank West expand its operations to include an international investment portfolio, it should develop a comprehensive investment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The investment policy should apply to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions. 61 Canadian Bankers Association, Banks in Canada, Toronto, 2010, from Neil MacIntosh, Controller, Bank West, 12 January from Arlene Beggs, Interim contact for Investor Relations, Western Financial Group, 6 January Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 23

24 1.3.2 Bridgewater Bank Bridgewater Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Alberta Motor Association, is a Schedule I (domestic) bank authorized to operate in Canada. 65 Service provision is focused on residential mortgage financing and Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GIC). Bridgewater Bank has not been implicated in any investments in cluster munition producers. They were however contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers. The Manager of Communications and Client Relations has confirmed that Bridgewater Bank does not lend or accept deposits from corporations, businesses or governments. Their corporate social responsibility focus is therefore on issues within their immediate working areas and involvement, and do not have policies or position statements that relate to weapons or cluster munitions financing. Bridgewater Bank does not perceive a need to pursue such policies or positions at this time given the scope of their operations. 66 Mines Action Canada requested additional clarification regarding the existence of any investment schemes outside of Canada but has yet to receive a response. Contact Bridgewater Bank - Webpage Next steps 67 Should Bridgewater Bank expand its operations to include an international investment portfolio, it should develop a comprehensive investment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The investment policy should apply to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions Canadian Tire Bank Canadian Tire Bank is a member of Canadian Tire Financial Services Limited, which is owned by the Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited. It is a Schedule I (domestic) bank authorized to operate in Canada. 68 Service provision is focused on credit cards and related financial products and services for retail and petroleum customers. Additionally, they offer savings accounts, Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GIC), personal loans, lines of credit, insurance and warranty products Canadian Bankers Association, Banks in Canada, Toronto, 2010, from Nancy Black, Manager of Communications and Client Relations, Bridgewater Bank, 7 December Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 68 Canadian Bankers Association, Banks in Canada, Toronto, 2010, 69 Canadian Tire Corporation, 2008 Annual Report, Toronto, 2008, p.4. 24

25 Canadian Tire Bank has not been implicated in any investments in cluster munition producers. They were however contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers. The Associate Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Affairs has confirmed that Canadian Tire Bank conducted a small retail banking pilot in 2008 yet has decided not to purse this further. They have therefore never offered business loans or developed an investment portfolio and state that they have no investments in the production of cluster bombs. As such, they do not believe they have a need to develop a disinvestment policy related to the investment of cluster munitions. 70 The company does however have foreign operations for a variety of business purposes. 71 research would benefit from further clarification as to any investments made through or on behalf these foreign operations. This Canadian Tire 2008 Annual/Financial Report Online Document pdf Corporate Social Responsibility Guiding Statement & Policies - Webpage Contact Canadian Tire Bank - Webpage Next steps 72 Should the Canadian Tire Bank expand its operations to include an international investment portfolio, it should develop a comprehensive investment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The investment policy should apply to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions Canadian Western Bank Canadian Western Bank is a Schedule I (domestic) bank authorized to operate in Canada. 73 Focused on western Canada, they offer personal and business banking and investment options. Along with its subsidiaries and operating divisions, they comprise the Canadian Western Bank Group. 70 from Caroline Casselman, Associate Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Affairs, Canadian Tire Corporation, 11 December Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited, Canadian Tire 2008 Financial Report, Toronto, 2008, p Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 73 Canadian Bankers Association, Banks in Canada, Toronto, 2010, 25

26 Canadian Western Bank has not been implicated in any investments in cluster munition producers. They were however contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers. The Assistant Vice President of Investor and Public Relations has confirmed that Canadian Western Bank does not engage in any investment activity outside of Canada, and that they do not finance the weapons manufacturing industry which includes cluster munitions. 74 Some of Canadian Western Bank s products are however provided through other financial institutions such as CI Investments (a subsidiary of CI Financial Corporation), RBC Funds Inc., TD Mutual Funds, CIBC Securities Inc., and Scotia Securities Inc. 75 These Canadian financial institutions have their own responsible investment policies as outlined in the above sections, while some have been implicated in the financing and investment of cluster munition producers Annual Report Online Document Contact Canadian Western Bank Webpage Next steps 76 Should Canadian Western Bank expand its operations to include an international investment portfolio, it should develop a comprehensive investment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The investment policy should apply to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions Citizens Bank of Canada (owned by Vancity) Citizens Bank of Canada, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vancity Credit Union, is a Schedule I (domestic) bank authorized to operate in Canada. 77 They offer a range of personal and business services. Citizens Bank of Canada has not been implicated in any investments in cluster munition producers. They were however contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers. 74 from Kirby Hill, Assistant Vice President of Investor and Public Relations, Canadian Western Bank, 16 December Canadian Western Bank, Products, Edmonton, 2010, 76 Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 77 Canadian Bankers Association, Banks in Canada, Toronto, 2010, 26

27 Vancity and Citizens Bank have developed one enterprise-wide Ethical Policy rather than implementing separate policies. Their joint ethical policy statements include a clause on Peaceful Communities: We seek to do business with organizations that: Contribute to building communities free of violence, fear and intimidation Promote peaceful resolution of conflicts We do not want to do business with organizations that: Encourage hatred, discrimination, or exploitation towards individuals or groups Earn significant revenue from the manufacture, distribution, or sales of weapons or armaments 78 The above policy evokes questions surrounding the clause that states they do not want to do business with organizations that earn significant revenue from involvement in weapons or armaments. Clarifications required include: how much is considered significant revenue, is there a cut off amount for this revenue and what exceptions this loophole may allow for. Mines Action Canada has requested clarification on these points but has yet to receive a response. See also Vancouver Savings Credit Union (Vancity) Ethical Policy: Peaceful Communities - Webpage cy/#pc Citizens Bank of Canada s Ethical Policy: Military Weapons Online Document df Vancity 2008 Annual Report (Citizens Bank annual reports fall under their parent company s) Vancity Accountability Report 06/07 (Citizens Bank accountability reports fall under their parent company s) _AccRep_2007Whole_4d.pdf Contact Citizens Bank of Canada Webpage Next steps 79 Citizens Bank of Canada should develop a fully comprehensive disinvestment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The disinvestment policy should apply to all activities, including commercial banking, 78 Citizens Bank of Canada, Our Ethical Policy, Vancouver, 2010, 79 Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 27

28 investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions CS Alterna Bank CS Alterna is a Schedule I (domestic) bank authorized to operate in Canada. 80 range of personal and business services. They offer a CS Alterna has not been implicated in any investments in cluster munition producers. They were however contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers. The Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility explained that Alterna uses the same screens as would be used for ethical funds for their investments portfolio: they state they do not invest in companies that manufacture arms or tobacco. Alterna has also reported that members have access to a variety of investment vehicles based on their own portfolio needs, which include ethical investments. 81 Policy references to investment restrictions in arms or tobacco were not located in any publicly available information on their website. Mines Action Canada requested additional clarification regarding Alterna s personal investment portfolio, particularly international investments, as well as their members investments and additional information regarding the investment screens used. While the Corporate Social Responsibility department has not responded, the Financial Advisory Service department has stated that Alterna does undertake to educate and inform their members regarding the availability of responsible investing. They also provide training to their advisory group regarding the importance and availability of SRI, however they believe that ultimately the decision to invest responsibly lies with individual members. 82 The most recent Social Performance Report includes a section on Socially Responsible Investment (SRI), however it limits its discussion to the fact that Alterna promotes and offers SRI to its members and that it does not at this time have a mechanism to track its members investments in socially responsible funds. 83 This SRI clause does not outline any responsible investment policies maintained by Alterna in its own investment portfolio or its members & 2007 Social Performance Report Online Document Contact CS Alterna Webpage 80 Canadian Bankers Association, Banks in Canada, Toronto, 2010, from Susan Henry, Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility, CS Alterna Bank, 6 January from Doug McGee, VP Financial Advisory Services, CS Alterna Bank, 20 January CS Alterna, Corporate Social Responsibility Accountability Report 2006/2007, Ottawa, 2007, 28

29 Next steps 84 Should CS Alterna expand its operations to include an international investment portfolio, it should develop a comprehensive investment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The investment policy should apply to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions DirectCash Bank DirectCash Bank is a Schedule I (domestic) bank authorized to operate in Canada. 85 They operate across North America and are the leading provider of ATMs, debit terminals, prepaid phone cards and prepaid cash cards. DirectCash is a publicly traded income trust on the Toronto Stock Exchange and provides distributions to shareholders. DirectCash Bank has not been implicated in any investments in cluster munition producers. They were however contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers. Upon contacting DirectCash Bank to determine any investment portfolio, DirectCash stated that they only provide a web-based ATM account or prepaid Mastercard credit card. They stated that they do not provide any services such as RRSPs or GICs, and that they have no investments. 86 It is unclear as to how DirectCash Bank utilizes or invests its profits. Contact DirectCash Bank Webpage Next steps 87 Should DirectCash Bank expand its operations to include an international investment portfolio, it should develop a comprehensive investment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The investment policy should apply to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions. 84 Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 85 Canadian Bankers Association, Banks in Canada, Toronto, 2010, 86 Conference call with DirectCash, 6 January Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 29

30 1.3.8 Dundee Bank of Canada (owned by Scotiabank) Dundee Bank of Canada is a Schedule I (domestic) bank authorized to operate in Canada. 88 Owned by the Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), Dundee Bank of Canada s purpose is to serve professional financial advisors. Dundee Bank of Canada has not been implicated in any investments in cluster munition producers. They were however contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers. See also and Scotiabank. The Director of Operations has verified that Dundee Bank of Canada deals with clients exclusively through registered Financial Advisors in Canada. Additionally, Dundee Bank does not have its own investment policies and portfolio. 89 No further information has been provided, or has been located in publicly available documents on their website. Contact Dundee Bank of Canada Webpage Next steps 90 Should Dundee Bank of Canada expand its operations to include an international investment portfolio, it should develop a comprehensive investment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The investment policy should apply to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions First Nations Bank of Canada First Nations Bank of Canada is a Schedule I (domestic) bank authorized to operate in Canada. 91 Prior to October 31, 2009, First Nations Bank was a subsidiary of Toronto Dominion Bank however as of November 1, 2009 the First Nations Bank of Canada is now 80% owned and controlled by Aboriginal shareholders. First Nations Bank does however continue to have a service arrangement with TD. First Nations Bank of Canada has not been implicated in any investments in cluster munition producers. They were however contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers. 88 Canadian Bankers Association, Banks in Canada, Toronto, 2010, from Tony Sequeira, Director of Operations, Dundee Bank of Canada, 17 December Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 91 Canadian Bankers Association, Banks in Canada, Toronto, 2010, 30

31 The Vice President of General Counsel and Compliance has verified that First Nations does not address the subject of cluster munitions in its investment policies. Their investments are mostly GICs and other such instruments with other financial institutions and they do not feel that a specific reference to weapons-related financings is required at this point. 92 Some of First Nations Bank s products are still however provided through Toronto Dominion Bank, which has their own responsible investment policies and previous implications in investments in cluster munition manufacturers as outlined in section Toronto Dominion Bank. Contact First Nations Bank of Canada Web link [email protected] Next steps 93 Should First Nations Bank of Canada expand its operations to include an international investment portfolio, it should develop a comprehensive investment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The investment policy should apply to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions General Bank of Canada General Bank of Canada is a Schedule I (domestic) bank authorized to operate in Canada. 94 General Bank of Canada has not been implicated in any investments in cluster munition producers. They were however contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers. The Chief Operating Officer verified that General Bank of Canada does not have any investment schemes. They are essentially a virtual bank whose scope is western Canada and customers are individual low risk investors such as retired people with savings. General Bank is owned by a local family and is a privately held chartered bank whose business is to provide loans to individuals to purchase cars and trucks, and selling GICs to small, individual investors. Due to family ownership there is no formal CSR framework, however General Bank has stated that they do not engage in any direct or indirect forms of financial assistance to munitions producers. Any investment of surplus funds is restricted to low risk investments in (Canadian) government securities and in investment grade preferred shares issued by Canadian FIs. General Bank also has policies regarding compliance with Anti Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing 92 from Gabrielle Battiste, Vice President of General Counsel and Compliance, First Nations Bank of Canada, 17 December Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 94 Canadian Bankers Association, Banks in Canada, Toronto, 2010, 31

32 legislation, and has verified that these policies would be interpreted to exclude any direct or indirect involvement in cluster munition producers. 95 Contact General Bank of Canada Webpage Next steps 96 Should General Bank of Canada expand its operations to include an international investment portfolio, it should develop a comprehensive investment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The investment policy should apply to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions HomEquity Bank HomEquity Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of HOMEQ Corporation, is a Schedule I (domestic) bank authorized to operate in Canada. 97 HomEquity provides reverse mortgages as well as GICs. HomEquity Bank has not been implicated in any investments in cluster munition producers. They were however contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers. The Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of HOMEQ Corporation, clarified that HOMEQ only invests in short-term instruments, specifically Treasury Bills and Bankers Acceptances. 98 No further information has been provided, or has been located in publicly available documents on their website. HOMEQ Annual Report 2008 Online Document Contact HomEquity Bank Webpage Contact HOMEQ Corporation Webpage from J.G (Gord) Mooney, Chief Operating Officer, General Bank of Canada, 7 December Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 97 Canadian Bankers Association, Banks in Canada, Toronto, 2010, from Celia Cuthbertson, Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, HOMEQ Corporation, 7 January

33 Next steps 99 Should HomEquity Bank or HOMEQ Corporation expand its operations to include an international investment portfolio, it should develop a comprehensive investment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The investment policy should apply to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions Jameson Bank Jameson Bank is a Schedule I (domestic) bank authorized to operate in Canada. 100 Jameson Bank provides foreign exchange, hedging and cash management services as well as navigation through the foreign exchange (FX) market. Jameson Bank has not been implicated in any investments in cluster munition producers. They were however contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers. The Business Development Manager has confirmed that Jameson Bank does not have an investment portfolio. Jameson has been a foreign currency exchange company for the last twenty years and helps Canadian corporations to manage currencies (involved in both national and international business) and to execute trade. Jameson does not conduct any trade themselves and only received chartered bank status for two reasons: the first was to provide more security for their clients since foreign exchange companies had traditionally had certain connotations associated with them (i.e. money laundering), and the second was to prepare Jameson for any potential expansion into other financial services, however they have not yet done so. 101 Contact Jameson Bank Webpage Next steps 102 Should Jameson Bank expand its operations to include an international investment portfolio, it should develop a comprehensive investment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The investment policy should apply to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions. 99 Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 100 Canadian Bankers Association, Banks in Canada, Toronto, 2010, Conference call with Mike Ward, Business Development Manager, Jameson Bank, 6 January Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 33

34 Laurentian Bank of Canada Laurentian Bank is a Schedule I (domestic) bank authorized to operate in Canada. 103 Laurentian has a stronghold in Quebec but offers a range of personal and commercial financial products and services across Canada. Laurentian Bank has not been implicated in any investments in cluster munition producers. They were however contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers. Mines Action Canada has solicited information from Laurentian Bank regarding the makeup of their investment portfolio and responsible investment policies, however has yet to receive a response. There is no mention of responsible investment policies in the Social Responsibility Reports or in any other publicly available information on Laurentian Bank s website Social Responsibility Report Contact Laurentian Bank Webpage Next steps 104 Should Laurentian Bank have an international investment portfolio, it should develop a comprehensive investment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The investment policy should apply to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions Manulife Bank of Canada Manulife Bank of Canada, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company, is a Schedule I (domestic) bank authorized to operate in Canada. 105 Manulife Bank of Canada has not been implicated in any investments in cluster munition producers. They were however contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers. 103 Canadian Bankers Association, Banks in Canada, Toronto, 2010, Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 105 Canadian Bankers Association, Banks in Canada, Toronto, 2010, 34

35 Mines Action Canada has solicited information from Manulife Bank regarding the makeup of their investment portfolio and responsible investment policies pertaining to cluster munitions financing, however has yet to receive a response. Manulife operates internationally and has an extensive international investment portfolio including asset management which is handled by MFC Global Investment Management. 106 research would benefit from further clarification as to any investments made through these foreign operations and the companies in which they invest. This No responsible investment policies or statement relating to weapons or cluster munitions financing have been identified on either the Manulife Financial or MFC Global Investment Management websites Public Accountability Statement Online Document MFC Global Investment Management (division of Manulife) Webpage Contact Manulife Bank of Canada Webpage Next steps 107 Manulife Bank of Canada should develop a comprehensive disinvestment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The disinvestment policy should apply to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions National Bank of Canada National Bank of Canada is a Schedule I (domestic) bank authorized to operate in Canada. 108 National Bank of Canada has not been implicated in any investments in cluster munition producers. They were however contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers. The Director of Investor Relations has stated that National Bank of Canada has non material exposure (less than CND$1 million) in companies that manufacture defence systems, however they do not lend to companies selling conventional or nuclear weapons. They have further 106 Manulife Financial, MFC Global Investment Management, Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 108 Canadian Bankers Association, Banks in Canada, Toronto, 2010, 35

36 stated that their investment policy is part of the risk management framework that governs the risk exposure to potential losses arising from investments (whether public or private). 109 Mines Action Canada has requested additional clarification regarding the non material exposure involvement in companies that manufacture defence systems and responsible investment policies relating to financing of cluster munition producers. No response has yet been received Social Responsibility Report Online Document Contact National Bank of Canada Webpage Next steps 110 National Bank of Canada should develop a comprehensive disinvestment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The disinvestment policy should apply to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions Pacific & Western Bank of Canada Pacific & Western Bank of Canada is a Schedule I (domestic) bank authorized to operate in Canada. 111 Pacific & Western Bank of Canada has not been implicated in any investments in cluster munition producers. They were however contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers. The Vice President of Public and Strategic Initiatives has verified that Pacific & Western Bank of Canada does not have an international investment portfolio. Approximately half of their portfolio is with public sector entities in Canada (i.e. municipalities, school boards) while the remainder relates to financing of Canadian companies that may need start up costs or financing for purchases (non manufacturing). 112 Pacific & Western has requested that MAC forward them sample disinvestment statements so they may consider adopting such a responsible investment policy in the spirit of the Convention on Cluster Munitions. They have also requested the list of identified cluster munition producers 109 from Hélène Baril, Director of Investor Relations, National Bank of Canada, 15 January Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 111 Canadian Bankers Association, Banks in Canada, Toronto, 2010, Teleconference with Tel Matrundola, Vice President of Public & Strategic Initiatives, Pacific & Western Bank of Canada, 22 December

37 in the United States so they may be conscious of these companies activities should any transactions with them arise in the future. Contact Pacific & Western Bank of Canada Webpage Next steps 113 Should Pacific & Western Bank of Canada expand their services or portfolio internationally, they should develop a comprehensive investment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The investment policy should apply to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions President's Choice Bank (services provided by CIBC) President s Choice Bank, whose banking services are provided by CIBC, is a Schedule I (domestic) bank authorized to operate in Canada. 114 President s Choice Bank has not been implicated in any investments in cluster munition producers. They were however contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers. See also CIBC. President's Choice Financial has verified that as a service provided by the direct banking division of CIBC, they follow the same policies that CIBC has regarding its social responsibilities. See section for CIBC s social responsibility policies. Contact President s Choice Bank Webpage Next steps 115 Should President s Choice Bank expand their services or portfolio internationally, they should develop a comprehensive investment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The investment policy should apply to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions. 113 Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 114 Canadian Bankers Association, Banks in Canada, Toronto, 2010, Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 37

38 Vancouver Savings Credit Union (owner of Citizens Bank of Canada) Vancouver Savings Credit Union (Vancity) is Canada s largest credit union and the owner of Citizens Bank of Canada (which is a Schedule I domestic bank). Refer back to section As the owner of Citizens Bank of Canada, Vancity was contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers which would also be adopted by Citizens Bank. As in section 1.3.5, Vancity and Citizens Bank have developed one enterprise-wide Ethical Policy rather than implementing separate policies. Their joint ethical policy statements include a clause on Peaceful Communities: We seek to do business with organizations that: Contribute to building communities free of violence, fear and intimidation Promote peaceful resolution of conflicts We do not want to do business with organizations that: Contribute to building communities free of violence, fear and intimidation Encourage hatred, discrimination, or exploitation towards individuals or groups Earn significant revenue from the manufacture, distribution, or sales of weapons or armaments 116 The above policy evokes questions surrounding the clause that states they do not want to do business with organizations that earn significant revenue from involvement in weapons or armaments. Clarifications required include: how much is considered significant revenue, is there a cut off amount for this revenue and what exceptions this loophole may allow for. Various attempts to solicit a response from Vancity since early December 2009 have gone unanswered. Vancity s Ethical Policy Online Document ochure_2006.pdf Socially Responsible Investing Webpage Vancity 2008 Annual Report Online Document Vancity Accountability Report 06/07 Online Document 116 Vancity, Vancity s Ethical Policy, Vancouver, 2010, 6.pdf 38

39 _AccRep_2007Whole_4d.pdf Contact Vancity Webpage Next steps 117 Vancity should develop a fully comprehensive disinvestment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The disinvestment policy should apply to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions Western Financial Group (owner of Bank West) Western Financial Group is the owner of Bank West (a Schedule I domestic bank) and the fourth largest property and casualty insurance broker in Canada. 118 As the owner of Bank West, Western Financial Group was contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers which would also be adopted by Bank West. Neither Bank West nor Western Financial Group has been implicated in any investments in cluster munition producers. They were however contacted to determine the full extent of their investment portfolio and to solicit their policy stance on investments in cluster munition producers. See also Bank West. The interim contact for Investor Relations at Western Financial Group has confirmed that neither they nor Bank West invest in any cluster munition manufacturers. The majority of their investments are government bond securities and there is also an investment management policy in place which ensures the adherence to procedures governing securities investment decisions. Their portfolio and policy are reviewed regularly by senior management and the Board of Directors. 119 Contact Western Financial Group - Webpage Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 118 Bank West, About Bank West, High River, 2008, from Arlene Beggs, Interim contact for Investor Relations, Western Financial Group, 6 January

40 Next steps 120 Should Western Financial Group expand its operations to include an international investment portfolio, it should develop a comprehensive investment policy that excludes all financial links with companies involved in producing or manufacturing cluster munitions. Since any investment facilitates production, no exceptions should be made within the policy. The investment policy should apply to all activities, including commercial banking, investment banking and asset management, all of which aid and abet a company s production of cluster munitions. 120 Recommendations borrowed from IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide investments in cluster 40

41 Conclusion and General Recommendations As a result of the contact with the above banks, it has become clear that most Canadian financial institutions have Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies however they are heavily weighted in favour of environmental protection, good corporate governance and social responsibility towards their customers and employees. Most of the banks use an Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) approach when developing criteria for their ethical business practices and social responsibility, while financing of cluster munitions remains uncategorized. A handful of financial institutions have Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) policies or statements, and only some of these refer to financing of weapons, landmines or cluster munitions. The pending entry into force of the Convention on Cluster Munitions demonstrates that the issue of cluster munitions is of great importance to many different actors. The Government of Canada has not yet ratified the convention, however is expected to do so in Some Canadian financial institutions are still involved, either directly or indirectly, in investments in cluster munitions producers. While disinvesting can be a difficult process, it is one that should be done and has already been successfully demonstrated by the development of national legislation prohibiting investments in cluster munitions in Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland as well as mainstream, private financial institutions such as ABP, PGGM and Philips Pension Fund (Netherlands), Ethias (Belgium), Folksam (Sweden) and Storebrand Group (Norway) 121 and several more. We hope that more Canadian financial institutions can follow suit and similarly develop and implement comprehensive disinvestment policies. The Government of Canada also needs to do its part by ratifying the CCM and setting clear guidelines and laws for Canadian FIs to follow. 121 IKV Pax Christi & Netwerk Vlaanderen, Worldwide Investments in Cluster Munitions: A shared responsibility, Brussels, October 2009, p

42 What you can do, Contact Mines Action Canada & Further Information What can you do to ensure your investment doesn t bomb? Write a letter to your bank Ask them to clarify their policies on investing in producers of cluster bombs Let them know you do not want your money financing weapons that pose unacceptable risks to civilians and are banned by the Convention on Cluster Munitions Write a letter to your Member of Parliament Ask them to ensure that a ban on investments in companies that produce cluster munitions or their components is included in the national legislation that will be developed as Canada prepares to ratify the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Invest in a world free of cluster bombs and landmines by supporting MAC Organize a Monopoly, Payday or Life tournament. Charge an entrance fee or ask players to donate a portion of their game winnings in real funds! Gather a group of friends or classmates and auction off your goods and services (e.g. one hour of snow shoveling, babysitting for an evening, music lessons). Donate the proceeds to MAC. Contact Mines Action Canada & Get Involved Mail Mines Action Canada 1 Nicholas St Suite 1502 Ottawa, ON K1N 7B7 Phone (613) Fax (613) Website [email protected] Further Information Check out Mines Action Canada s disinvestment campaign s website at including contact information for your bank or financial institution. The Cluster Munition Coalition s global disinvestment campaign s website at which was launched in October the report by IKV Pax Christi of the Netherlands and Netwerk Vlaanderen of Belgium, October