A mutual fund that is not an ETF is required to identify, in its prospectus, the type of mutual fund that the fund is best characterized as. [FN 21] Examples of types of mutual funds may include money market, equity, bond or balanced funds related, if appropriate, to a geographical region, or any other description that accurately identifies the type of mutual fund. [FN 22]
Similar to fund names and investment objectives, the fund type identified in a fund’s prospectus plays a role in identifying the focus of the fund.
While it is not a requirement, a mutual fund that includes ESG in its fundamental investment objectives may wish to characterize itself as a fund that is focused on ESG in addition to its primary fund type. For example, an ESG Fund may wish to identify itself as an ESG Canadian equity fund.
However, staff’s view is that a fund that does not include ESG in its fundamental investment objectives should not characterize itself as a fund that is focused on ESG as it would not be an accurate identification of the fund type.
FN 21 Item 3(a) of Part B of Form 81-101F1.
FN 22 Instruction (2) to Item 3(a) of Part B of Form 81-101F1.