Responding to investor concern about the economic threat of climate change, the chief executive officers of three mutual fund companies have called on the leaders of Canada’s political parties to show leadership and take action on climate change.

In an open letter sent today to the party leaders in the House of Commons, the CEOs call for fixed targets for greenhouse gas emissions and an emissions trading system to meet those targets.

The letter is signed Don Rolfe, CEO, The Ethical Funds Company; Kerry Ho, CEO, Inhance Investment Management Inc.; and Gary Hawton, CEO, Meritas Mutual Funds. The companies are sustaining members of the Social Investment Organization. Eugene Ellmen, Executive Director of the SIO, also signed the letter.

“The decision to amend the Clean Air Act in the House of Commons presents an historic opportunity for Canada to show the world how a country can come to grips with the issue of climate change,” states the letter.

“On behalf of the tens of thousands of investors we serve, we urge you to seize this moment and take decisive action on this monumental challenge facing humankind.”

The letter was prompted by the decision of the federal government to send the current Clean Air Act to the House of Commons for discussion and debate.