Our duty to “respect human rights” requires us to listen to the International Court of Justice, and the hundreds of international human rights law and genocide scholars who have said Israel is very likely using these weapons to commit genocide.

These investments are a direct violation of the express policy of multiple plan affiliates. OSSTF policy states explicitly that:

Pension plans to which OSSTF/FEESO members contribute should not invest in companies that contribute to killing, torture, deprivation of freedom, or other violations of human rights.

OECTA policy says:
Wherever possible and reasonable the plan [should] not invest in corporations or their subsidiaries, domestic or foreign, that produce munitions, armaments, or technologies of war, and [should] divest itself of any current holdings in said corporations.

While the weapons and components these companies make and sell to Israel don’t fall within those already excluded by the OTPP and its “responsible investment” policies, OTPP has committed to “an ongoing process to identify and assess companies associated with severe controversies.”

Is there any controversy more severe than Genocide?

We are well aware of the Plan’s claim that it is more effective in addressing human rights issues through “engagement”. We are also well aware of the plan and plan custodian’s “fiduciary duty” to beneficiaries.

However, the plan itself admits that some investments create “irreconcilable risks”. Indeed, it’s for this reason the plan has excluded Tobacco companies, judging that the moral and reputational risks outweigh the financial benefits.

The murder of children and the crime of genocide, while clearly profitable, are irreconcilable to the long term best interests of Ontario teachers.

It is time for the OTPP to fulfill its moral and regulatory duties and divest from Honeywell, Leidos, and Booz Allen Hamilton, immediately.