Worker’s Voice and Investing in a Just Transition: The Fonds de Solidarité FTQ

This publication is part of a series of commentaries authored by advisory group members of the Just Transition Initiative (JTI). This series highlights the diverse perspectives and expertise of the JTI advisory group on different aspects of the low-carbon transition and its implications for equitable development.

Just transitions depend on ensuring that workers have a voice and influence over planning and policy. The Fonds de Solidarité (Solidarity Fund) in Québec offers a model of how investors can directly engage on just transitions issues to help workers and communities to prepare for an energy transition. The Fonds deploys patient development capital, invests in a wide range of businesses across the province, and engages directly in financial and economic training of Québecois workers. While some aspects of the Fonds are unique to Québec’s political, economic, and labor context, it provides an example of inclusive dialogue with workers around transition goals and decisions.

Andre Almeida Santos and David Wood are research fellow and director, respectively, at the Initiative for Responsible Investment at the Center for Public Leadership, Harvard Kennedy School. David Wood is a member of the advisory board for the Just Transition Initiative.