Institutional investors from across Western Canada convened in Vancouver for the 4th Annual Canada West Institutional Forum 2025 to discuss sectors gaining momentum despite challenging market conditions.
Hosted by Markets Group at the Paradox Hotel, the event brought together senior leaders from pension plans, endowments, foundations, and insurance funds to explore the key themes shaping institutional portfolios in 2025.
Throughout the day, participants discussed how allocators are navigating rate volatility and macroeconomic uncertainty, while examining private credit’s expanding role and the future of sustainable investing. Experts also shared perspectives on how they are positioning their portfolios to build long-term resilience, while capturing innovation in a shifting investment landscape.
Award Spotlight: Marc Gauthier, Concordia University
During the event, Markets Group presented a Strategy Award to Marc Gauthier, chief investment officer and treasurer, of Concordia University. The award recognized his forward-thinking leadership, “football playbook” approach to portfolio construction at the defined benefit pension plan, and for aligning the evolving institutional goals with ESG integration and long-term impact.
Insights “From the Sidelines”
Additionally, Markets Group Deputy Editor Lauren Bailey was onsite in Vancouver, capturing the themes driving conversations both inside the panel rooms and out on the sidelines. Her exclusive video interviews with top institutional leaders explored fiduciary duty, ESG integration, private credit growth, natural capital investing, and leadership across Canada’s allocator community.
Watch the Exclusive Video Interviews
“At the core of this business, it’s about people.”
🎥 Watch the interview with Chelsea Kittleson, Executive Director, BC Municipal Pension Plan, as she reflects on navigating volatility, maintaining connection across the investment community, and integrating systemic ESG risks into long-term portfolio strategy.
“We often measure wealth financially — but I measure it by the people around me.”
🎥 Watch the special group interview honoring Marc Gauthier, Chief Investment Officer & Treasurer, Concordia University, recipient of the Markets Group Strategy Award.Gauthier’s colleagues — Ingrid Ulloa, Abdel Chabi-Yo, and Maryse Picard — shared heartfelt reflections on his leadership, mentorship, and integrity, calling him “a great mentor,” “a leader who cares deeply about his team,” and “someone who inspires growth both professionally and personally.”
“Every plan is different — what works for one won’t work for all.”
🎥 Watch the interview with Paula Moore, Vice President, Tax and Treasury, Bayer Inc., as she emphasizes tailoring investment decisions to the unique scale and structure of each plan, ensuring strategies align with fiduciary priorities.
“There are always attractive opportunities — even amid the noise.”
🎥 Watch the interview with Amit Prakash, AIMCo, as he shares his key takeaways from the forum’s discussions on private credit, renewable resources, and natural capital investing.
“Integrating ESG is paramount to creating long-term sustainable value.”
🎥 Watch the interview with Susan Golyak, Director of ESG, BCI, where she addresses the global ESG debate and reinforces the importance of precision, transparency, and materiality in responsible investment frameworks.
“Equities can work in an all-weather portfolio — but it’s an iterative process.”
🎥 Watch the interview with Arijit Banik, Treasurer, York University, as he explains how institutional investors can build a mix of managers that perform across different points in the market cycle to ensure balance and diversification over time.
These conversations highlight the insights and perspectives driving Canada’s institutional investment community — candid, allocator-led, and focused on long-term outcomes.
