James Bradshaw of the Globe and Mail reports CAAT CEO Derek Dobson resigns, agrees to repay $1.6-million vacation payout:

The CAAT Pension Plan is parting ways with chief executive officer Derek Dobson, who has agreed to repay a controversial $1.6-million vacation payout he received last year as he ends his nearly 17-year tenure at the helm of the plan.

CAAT said in a statement on Friday that “Mr. Dobson has tendered his resignation and will leave CAAT effective immediately” as part of a settlement agreement that “brings closure to his employment at the plan.”

Mr. Dobson was placed on administrative leave last month after concerns about his leadership and the board’s oversight of his actions caused upheaval in the senior ranks of the $23-billion fund, ultimately leading to a governance crisis that has prompted an overhaul of the plan’s management.

The terms of the settlement agreement were not disclosed.

“Both Mr. Dobson and the CAAT board of trustees acknowledge the importance of moving forward in a manner that supports the long-term health of the plan and the beneficiaries it serves,” CAAT’s statement said.

Mr. Dobson said in an e-mail that he is leaving “with deep pride in what we accomplished together,” and remains “passionate about strengthening retirement income security for Canadians.”

“There is more important life-changing work to be done,” he added.

CAAT is a multiemployer pension plan that expanded rapidly during Mr. Dobson’s tenure, from $4-billion of assets to more than $23-billion today. It serves Ontario’s colleges and more than 800 public- and private-sector employers, with about 125,000 members. The plan is also in a surplus position, with $1.24 for every dollar of expected pension obligations in the future.

Ana Pereira of the Toronto Star also reports CAAT pension plan CEO resigns, will repay $1.6-million vacation payout:

The CEO of CAAT pension plan has resigned and will repay a $1.6-million vacation payout he received in 2025. 

On Friday morning, CAAT (Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology) pension plan announced in a news release that Derek Dobson reached a settlement agreement with the company after being put on administrative leave by the board of trustees last month. 

“Both Mr. Dobson and the CAAT board of trustees acknowledge the importance of moving forward in a manner that supports the long-term health of the plan and the beneficiaries it serves,” CAAT said in the release. 

The $1.6-million vacation payout was among concerns cited by three senior executives who abruptly left the organization in January, leading to a governance upheaval at the plan and several other leadership changes. Another concern was related to the CEO’s sanctioned relationship with a co-worker. 

Corporate governance experts told the Star that the sheer amount Dobson received in lieu of taking vacation is “exceptional” and a “red flag,” and that secrecy surrounding his compensation threatens to erode trust in the company.

The non-profit pension plan, which manages the retirement dollars for 125,000 members (including Toronto Star employees), has launched a governance review, which is still underway. 

“The independent governance review is progressing well,” said CAAT spokesperson Stephen Hewitt. “The board will provide an update following its conclusion.” 

Dobson had been the head of CAAT since 2009, when the plan held $4 billion in assets. Today, the organization manages $23 billion. 

“After nearly 17 years as CEO and plan manager of the CAAT pension plan, I am concluding my tenure with deep pride in what we accomplished together,” Dobson wrote in an emailed statement to the Star. 

“I have been privileged to work alongside extraordinary people who shared a similar purpose of improving retirement income security for Canadians.” 

In light of the three senior executive departures, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), which appoints five trustees to the board, suspended former board chair Don Smith in January. 

The union alleged that Smith and former vice-chair, Kareen Stangherlin, acted outside the policies and procedures of the plan and made decisions about the CEO’s compensation without informing the other members of the board.

Smith was subsequently fired and Stangherlin resigned. She previously told the Star that the accusations against her are not true. 

Smith and Stangherlin did not immediately reply to the Star’s request for comment regarding Dobson’s resignation. 

Also Friday, CAAT announced a new leadership team as part of the plan’s effort to restore trust. The plan is well-funded, with $1.24 in assets for every dollar of promised benefits.  

Earlier today, the CAAT Board of Trustees announced departure of CEO and new leadership team:

• Derek Dobson to leave CAAT effective immediately and repay 2025 vacation payout
• New senior leadership team comprised of internal CAAT executives appointed

Toronto, March 6, 2026 — The CAAT Pension Plan (“CAAT” or “the Plan”) today announced the departure of CEO and Plan Manager Derek Dobson and unveiled a new senior leadership team to lead the organization.

Derek Dobson departure

CAAT has reached a settlement agreement with Mr. Dobson that brings closure to his employment at the Plan. As part of this agreement, Mr. Dobson has tendered his resignation and will leave CAAT effective immediately, and repay his 2025 vacation payout to CAAT.

Both Mr. Dobson and the CAAT Board of Trustees acknowledge the importance of moving forward in a manner that supports the long-term health of the Plan and the beneficiaries it serves.

CAAT also thanks the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario for its constructive engagement as the Plan continues to strengthen its governance and oversight.

New leadership team

CAAT also announced a new leadership team to execute on the Plan’s strategy, restore stakeholder trust and continue to deliver on CAAT’s pension promise to its members and sponsors.

“While the Plan has recently undergone a period of significant change, I am proud that these five senior leaders are all existing CAAT employees who will drive stability and institutional continuity while leveraging their strong internal relationships to engage and inspire our teams as they serve our member constituents every day,” said acting CAAT CEO and Plan Manager Kevin Fahey.

The following five leaders will report directly to Mr. Fahey:

• Laura Foster, appointed interim Chief Financial Officer
• Jillian Kennedy, appointed Chief Operating Officer
• James Fera, appointed Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel
• John Baiocco, appointed Senior Vice President, Funding & Sustainability
• Stephen Hewitt, appointed Senior Director of Communications

Mr. Fahey will also continue to serve as the Plan’s Chief Investment Officer. A search for a Chief Human Resources Officer remains ongoing.

“On behalf of the Board, I’d like to thank Kevin for his strong leadership since his appointment as the Plan’s acting CEO and the impressive progress he has made in a very short period of time,” said CAAT Board of Trustees Chair Audrey Wubbenhorst. “The Board continues to focus on its work in the best interests of members and I would also like to express our gratitude to all of our stakeholders for their ongoing trust and confidence in the Plan.”

CAAT remains one of Canada’s most sustainable and well-funded pension plans. Its most recent independent valuations show the Plan at a 124% funded status, meaning that for every $1 of pension benefits CAAT has promised to members, the Plan has $1.24 in assets. With more than $23 billion in assets and over $6 billion in funding reserves, the Plan is well positioned to withstand market volatility, demographic change, and other risks.

About CAAT

Established in 1967, the CAAT Pension Plan is an independent, jointly governed plan that offers highly desirable modern defined benefit pensions. Originally created to support the Ontario college system, the CAAT Plan now proudly serves more than 800 participating employers in 20 industries, including the for-profit, non-profit, and broader public sectors. It currently has more than 125,000 members. The CAAT Plan is respected for its pension and investment management expertise and focus on stability and benefit security. On January 1, 2025, the Plan was 124% funded on a going-concern basis. 

Learn more at: www.caatpension.ca.  

For his part, Derek Dobson posted this message on LinkedIn which he also emailed to me and others earlier today:

After nearly seventeen years as CEO and Plan Manager of the CAAT Pension Plan, I am concluding my tenure with deep pride in what we accomplished together. When I joined CAAT in 2009, the Plan served 33,000 members and held $4 billion in assets and was in a funding deficit. 

Today, CAAT supports more than 125,000 members across 800 employers in 20 industries nationwide, with assets exceeding $25 billion and over $6 billion in funding reserves to keep the pension plan secure indefinitely.

I have been privileged to work alongside extraordinary people who shared a similar purpose of improving retirement income security for Canadians.

I have deep appreciation for those who transformed CAAT into one of Canada’s most respected and innovative pension plans. Together, we launched internationally award‑winning programs such as DBplus and GROWTHplus, strengthened the Plan’s funded status, and most importantly helped members and employers across Canada meet their goals. I am grateful for the trust placed in me over the years and the many milestones we achieved together.

I want to thank the many colleagues, partners, and stakeholders who have made this journey so meaningful. 

As I look ahead, I am excited to continue contributing to making Canada better for today and tomorrow. I remain passionate about strengthening retirement income security for Canadians. There is more important life-changing work to be done. 

Alright, it's Friday, my week off went nowhere because there were important items to cover in the pension world (there always are).

My thoughts on the latest developments at CAAT Pension Plan. 

Well, to be frank, I'm not surprised. 

The writing was on the wall. I knew Derek Dobson's days were numbered, and he was asked to resign, which he did and they put the Plan first by agreeing to terms.

The headlines say he also agreed to repay his $1.6 million vacation pay that was wrongfully awarded to him by the former chair and vice-chair.

But the terms of the settlement were not disclosed, and I wouldn't be surprised if Derek Dobson negotiated a nice settlement upwards of $2-3 million to walk away cleanly. 

That's fine. He spent 17 years leading the CAAT Pension Plan, accomplished a lot during that period, and deserves a fair settlement (in my opinion, all settlements should be made public).

To be brutally honest, for 17 years, Derek Dobson was CAAT Pension Plan, and that in itself was a problem because he was involved in every aspect of the Plan and was the public figurehead for it (there wasn't much succession planning there).

Members trusted him implicitly and it's a shame he's leaving the organization under these circumstances, but he also has a lot to be proud of and did leave it in great financial shape.

Now it's time for CAAT Pension Plan to turn the page under a new board of directors and a new leadership team.

I've said it before, Kevin Fahey is going to make an outstanding CIO, and I'm confident in his ability to assume a larger responsibility and also act as CEO and Plan Manager at this critical juncture.

More importantly, CAAT's Board has full confidence in him to assume this huge responsibility.

Of course, it goes without saying that Kevin Fahey a lot on his plate. He really needs to manage his time and objectives properly if he wants to continue growing CAAT's membership and delivering solid long-term returns.

That means the people who now report to him on the investment, finance, and other key areas need to also step up to the plate and support him, now more than ever.

His first job is stability and focus on riding out this turbulent time at CAAT and the markets.

Once the dust settles, he can focus on other objectives like growing the membership. 

But first focus on stability, stability, and stability; the rest will fall into place.

What happens to the three senior execs who departed the organization after informing the Board of their concerns?

Unfortunately, they're gone, not coming back. They are probably negotiating their own settlements or have already done so (again, details are not disclosed). 

The same goes for the employee who was in a relationship with Derek Dobson, she was placed on administrative leave and she's probably also negotiating her settlement. 

And what about the independent governance study that CAAT's Board commissioned? 

That will eventually be made public and I'm looking forward to reading the findings.

Whatever the findings, however, it's time to put this governance crisis behind CAAT and focus on the future.

This is an important pension plan in Canada, and it has a very bright future. 

On that note, wish everyone a great weekend and I will leave you with some market clips. 

Below, the CNBC Investment Committee debate how to play the volatile markets and whether investors should buy the dip or not (from March 5th)>

Next, Dan Niles, Niles Investment Management founder, joins 'Power Lunch' to discuss the broader market sell-off, recent software stock performance and much more (March 5th).

Third, the CNBC Investment Committee debate what $90 Oil means to the market and how you should navigate it (March 6th).

Fourth, Jan Hatzius, chief economist at Goldman Sachs, joins 'Squawk on the Street' to discuss the latest jobs report, market themes, and more.

Fifth, Rick Rieder, CIO of global fixed income at BlackRock, says “the economy and employment are quite different conditions,” as he reacts to the February jobs report and explains why he still sees 2.5% - 3% US economic growth in the first quarter.

Lastly, concerns have been bubbling up over the $1.8 trillion private credit market in recent weeks, with investors spooked in part by the risk of artificial intelligence on some borrowers and worries about valuations. Last month, a Blue Owl Capital Inc. fund opted to halt quarterly redemptions and started selling assets to return money to investors. 

This week, Blackstone Inc.’s flagship private credit fund allowed investors to redeem a record 7.9% of shares. Worries have mounted more broadly in credit markets following a spate of high-profile corporate collapses, most recently of UK-based Market Financial Solutions Ltd. Banco Santander SA Executive Chair Ana Botin likened hits from bad loans to jellyfish stings, after her bank was reported to be exposed to the mortgage finance firm. JPMorgan Chase & Co. CEO Jamie Dimon has spoken of failed corporate borrowers as “cockroaches,” suggesting there could be more. 

Bloomberg News Chief Correspondent for Private Capital Davide Scigliuzzo joins Bloomberg Businessweek Daily to discuss. He speaks with Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. With record fundraising after the 2008 financial crisis, direct-lending vehicles have loosened their underwriting standards and are due for a stress test, according to a Pacific Investment Management Co. analysis of private-credit risks.

Below, EPI senior economist Elise Gould offers her insights on the jobs report released this morning. Read the full thread here. 

 

Today’s jobs report was much weaker than expected. Payroll jobs fell 92k in Feb, and revisions to Dec data show a loss of 17k jobs. Average job growth over the last 3 months now under 6k.

Household survey population controls indicate a significant drop in the labor force.

#NumbersDay #EconSky

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— Elise Gould (@elisegould.bsky.social) Mar 6, 2026 at 7:48 AM

Job losses in Feb were most acute in health care, due to striking workers who have since gone back to work. Notable losses as well in leisure and hospitality and educational services. Job were added in financial activities and social assistance. On net, 92k job losses for Feb.

#EconSky #NumbersDay

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— Elise Gould (@elisegould.bsky.social) Mar 6, 2026 at 8:03 AM

Manufacturing jobs fell again, down 12,000 between January and February 2026. Since January 2025, the manufacturing sector has lost 100,000 jobs. I repeat: The manufacturing sector lost 100k jobs since Trump took office.

#EconSky #NumbersDay

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— Elise Gould (@elisegould.bsky.social) Mar 6, 2026 at 8:19 AM

Attacks on the federal workforce continue. Federal employment has shrunk an alarming 327,000 jobs since January 2025. The vital services federal employees provide cannot be done without these essential workers. The cost of these losses are only beginning to be felt.
#EconSky #NumbersDay

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— Elise Gould (@elisegould.bsky.social) Mar 6, 2026 at 8:19 AM

The overall unemployment ticked up slightly in February, while the unemployment rate rose for Black, Asian, and Hispanic workers. Notably volatile series, but Black unemployment is now back up at 7.7% compared to only 3.7% for white workers.
#EconSky #NumbersDay

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— Elise Gould (@elisegould.bsky.social) Mar 6, 2026 at 8:51 AM

Bryan McGovern of Benefits Canada reports Canada’s largest pension funds joining Australian peers to increase investments in both countries:

Canada’s largest pension funds are joining an initiative that aims to boost pension investments between Canada and Australia.

The Canadian-Australian Pension Funds Investment Initiative, announced Wednesday during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Australia, will create a framework for pension funds in the two countries to discuss policy barriers and associated solutions to improve the current business environment.

The agreement includes participation from the Alberta Investment Management Corp., the British Columbia Investment Management Corp., the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, CPP Investments, the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan, the Investment Management Corp. of Ontario, the Ontario Municipal Employees’ Retirement System, the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and the Public Sector Pension Investment Board.

The participating Australian pension funds include the Australian Retirement Trust, AustralianSuper, Aware Super, CareSuper, the Construction and Building Unions Superannuation, HESTA, Hostplus and the Retail Employees Superannuation.

“We seek to contribute our experience, knowledge and relationships to the mutual benefit of CAP Invest Initiative participants, as this initiative upholds constructive engagement that will help support stable, investable markets over the long run,” John Graham, president and chief executive officer at CPP Investments, said in a press release.

The deal, which was facilitated by IFM Investors, will also require building awareness of investment models that leverage the expertise of long-term and reliable pension capital investors, according to a press release.

“I’m proud of the strong relationships our team has built in Australia and excited about the role we can continue to play through this initiative,” Deborah Orida, president and CEO at PSP Investments, said in a statement. “For more than a decade, Australia has been an important market for us.”This agreement will build the natural partnership between the two countries and putting long-term pension capital to work in both countries, said Ken Luce, executive director Canada at IFM Investors, in an emailed statement to Benefits Canada.

“Both countries have world-leading pension systems and stable, open economies. There’s a real opportunity to deepen collaboration, address barriers where they exist and make it even easier to invest long term in opportunities that benefit working and retired Canadians and Australians alike.” 

Freschia Gonzalez of Benefits and Pensions Monitor also reports Canada and Australia pensions strike first-of-its-kind cross-border investment pact:

Canada and Australia are tying together two of the world’s largest retirement systems through a new investment pact that aims to push more pension capital into both markets. 

More than a dozen Canadian and Australian pension giants have entered a first-of-its-kind memorandum of understanding (MOU) under the Canadian-Australian Pension Funds Investment Initiative (CAP Invest Initiative). 

CPP Investments said the initiative asks leading pension investors to make a voluntary commitment “to facilitate dialogue on investment environments and policy barriers to generate solutions that unlock greater opportunities for value creation.” 

Bloomberg reports that the MOU was announced in Sydney during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Australia and is the first agreement between the two pension systems.  

Under the arrangement, funds will cooperate to channel more pension capital into opportunities in both markets, according to a statement from eight of Australia’s largest pension funds cited by Bloomberg. 

Signatories include AustralianSuper, which manages A$410bn (US$289bn), and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, with $781bn (US$571bn) in assets, along with eight other major Canadian funds. 

Canada operates the world’s second-largest pension system, while Australia’s A$4.5tn pool is No. 4, and Canada’s system is forecast to reach $8tn while Australia’s is projected to swell to A$11tn by 2040, according to the same statement cited by Bloomberg. 

CPP Investments said the CAP Invest Initiative “fosters collaboration among participating pension and investment funds in Canada and Australia, with millions of contributors and beneficiaries in both countries.”  

While tailored to these markets, the underlying practices “such as structured engagement, identification of opportunities and shared learnings, are the same disciplines that support success across other regions where CPP Investments operates.”  

The organisation added that continuing to build strategic relationships between participants aligns with its commercial activities internationally. 

CPP Investments president and CEO John Graham said the fund will use its experience, knowledge and relationships to contribute to the CAP Invest Initiative.  

He described CPP Investments as “an established global investor” and said the initiative aims to support stable, investable markets over the long term.  

Bloomberg reports that Carney’s government is seeking funding for large-scale infrastructure projects — including ports, rail and pipelines — as Canada looks to cushion its economy against US President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies, and that the Canadian leader has toured the globe in recent months searching for capital to help fund those ambitions.  

The new agreement is “underscoring support for ongoing cooperation between Canada and Australia in the interest of mutual value creation,” CPP Investments said in a separate statement, as cited by Bloomberg. 

Australian funds, supported by mandatory retirement contributions set at the equivalent of 12 percent of wages, are steadily increasing offshore investments, with roughly half of the country’s pension assets invested abroad and that share expected to rise as managers pursue larger deals.  

The Australian funds’ statement said there is “fertile ground” for investment between Canada and Australia and that the agreement will facilitate dialogue with governments on policy barriers to improve the business environment for investment.  

The MOU will “unlock greater long term capital for private investment on behalf of millions of working and retired people,” the statement added, according to Bloomberg. 

Through its participation in the CAP Invest Initiative, CPP Investments said it supports a collaborative framework for information-sharing among partners that “enhances collective learning and contributes to the prudent deployment of patient capital, in the ultimate service of delivering strong returns for CPP contributors and beneficiaries.”   

Darcy Song of Top1000Funds also reports infrastructure at the heart of Canada-Australia pension fund pact:

A group of major Canadian pension funds, including the Maple 8, has entered a high-powered memorandum of understanding with top Australian superannuation funds to lobby for policy changes that would help fast-track investments in both countries.

The deal, brokered by industry super fund-owned asset manager IFM Investors and known as the Canadian-Australian Pension Funds Investment Initiative (CAP Invest Initiative), is a first-of-its-kind deal between two of the world’s largest pension markets which are expected to manage $13.9 trillion in fiduciary capital by 2040 collectively.

The announcement came as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney began his four-day diplomatic visit to Australia in Sydney this Tuesday with the aim of bolstering the connection between the two so-called ‘middle power’ countries.

He attended a breakfast event hosted by IFM Investors in Sydney on Wednesday morning alongside Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Australian Minister for Financial Services Daniel Mulino, as well as a slew of Australian and Canadian pension fund executives who have signed the MoU.

While the agreement does not commit to a specific dollar amount to be deployed by the pension funds in both nations, with IFM Investors chair Cath Bowtell characterising it as a “MoU for partnership”, enabling infrastructure investments in both nations will be a significant focus of the deal.

“Our job through this partnership is to really look at the frictions that are prohibiting us from making those deployments, and see whether we can work with governments at the national and sub-national level to eliminate those frictions,” Bowtell said at a press conference in Sydney.

IFM has been speaking about the need to unlock private-public partnerships for some time, including at last year’s Top1000funds.com Fiduciary Investors Symposium at Stanford (See Public-private partnerships key to fixing US infrastructure).

Funds in both systems are major sources of capital for real assets around the world. Canadian pension funds are known for having significantly diversified private markets exposures enabled by the famous “Canadian model” which emphasises independent governance and large-scale, in-house investment management.

Australian pension funds have invested heavily in Australian infrastructure since the 1990s as the government privatised transport, utilities and telecommunications assets, making them an early mover in the asset class.

Australian and Canadian pension funds are among the largest allocators to infrastructure globally with the average fund in Australia allocating 6.8 per cent and those in Canada allocating 10.1 per cent, according to a Macquarie Asset Management report – well above investors in other countries.

“We seek to contribute our experience, knowledge and relationships to the mutual benefit of CAP Invest Initiative participants, as this initiative upholds constructive engagement that will help support stable, investable markets over the long run,” John Graham, president and chief executive of CPP Investments, said about the partnership.

Setting the policy agenda

As savings flow into Australia’s A$4.1 trillion ($2.8 trillion) defined contribution system, super funds are seeking opportunities in deeper overseas markets such as the US and the UK. This means they have both a collaborative and competitive relationship with their global peers which are often much larger in size, especially around sourcing and accessing deals.

AustralianSuper is the biggest fund in Australia with A$410 billion ($294 billion) in assets under management, and large offices in both New York and London. The fund is projected to grow to A$700 billion by 2030 and A$1 trillion not long after. It is expected that 70 per cent of new flows will be invested offshore. (See Behind AustralianSuper’s global expansion)

A delegation of super fund executives and lobbyists embarked on a soft power mission to Washington and New York last February, and are being hosted by Australian Ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd in Silicon Valley, New York and Washington next week, to foster greater relationships with US investment partners. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remarked to the super funds that “the confidence you have in the growth is not what one might expect for Australia”.

IFM Investors is a crucial vehicle of super funds’ push for global influence due to its ownership structure and significant mandates with global asset owners. Most recently, NEST, the UK’s largest defined contribution fund, became a shareholder of IFM and committed to invest £5 billion through IFM Investors by 2030. (Inside Nest’s serendipitous deal for IFM stake.)

IFM Investors’ head of global external relations David Whiteley previously said Australian funds must take a collective approach to compete effectively with giant pension funds in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia for better access to global investment opportunities.

The infrastructure manager’s UK leaders include former Labour Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister of State for Pensions Gregg McClymont.

In 2024, IFM Investors made a move to influence policymaking in a foreign country, leading a consortium of pension funds in pressuring the UK government to unclog its stagnant pipeline of infrastructure deals, especially around energy transition.

Meanwhile, former president and CEO of CPP Investments and former chair of AIMCo, Mark Wiseman, is now the Canadian Ambassador to the US.

Canadian funds that signed up to the CAP Invest Initiative include AIMCo, BCI, La Caisse, CPP Investments, HOOPP, IMCO, OMERS, OTPP and PSP Investments. On the Australian side, the signatories are Australian Retirement Trust, AustralianSuper, Aware Super, CareSuper, Cbus Super, HESTA, Hostplus and Rest, as well as IFM Investors. 

On Wednesday, CPP Investments issued this press release stating it has entered the CAP Invest Initiative Memorandum of Understanding:

Toronto, ON (March 3, 2026) – Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) today announced it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under the Canadian-Australian Pension Funds Investment Initiative (CAP Invest Initiative), underscoring support for ongoing cooperation between Canada and Australia in the interest of mutual value creation.

The CAP Invest Initiative defines a voluntary commitment among leading pension investors to facilitate dialogue on investment environments and policy barriers to generate solutions that unlock greater opportunities for value creation.

The CAP Invest Initiative fosters collaboration among participating pension and investment funds in Canada and Australia, with millions of contributors and beneficiaries in both countries. While tailored to these two markets, the underlying practices such as structured engagement, identification of opportunities and shared learnings, are the same disciplines that support success across other regions where CPP Investments operates. Continuing to build strategic relationships between the participants of the CAP Invest Initiative aligns with CPP Investments’ commercial activities internationally.

“CPP Investments is an established global investor with a strong track record of deploying significant, patient capital into high-quality, economically productive assets. We seek to contribute our experience, knowledge and relationships to the mutual benefit of CAP Invest Initiative participants, as this initiative upholds constructive engagement that will help support stable, investable markets over the long run,” said John Graham, President & CEO, CPP Investments.

Through participation in the CAP Invest Initiative, CPP Investments supports a collaborative framework for information-sharing among partners that enhances collective learning and contributes to the prudent deployment of patient capital, in the ultimate service of delivering strong returns for CPP contributors and beneficiaries.

For its part, PSP Investments issued this press release on the CAP Invest Initiative Memorandum of Understanding:

Montréal, Canada (March 3, 2026) — The Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) today announced it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the Canadian–Australian Pension Funds Investment Initiative (CAP Invest Initiative), marking PSP Investments’ participation in a voluntary framework that strengthens collaboration between Canadian and Australian long-term pension investors.

The CAP Invest Initiative was launched today by leaders of some of the largest pension investors in Australia and Canada, in the presence of Prime Minister Mark Carney, the Canadian Minister of Finance and National Revenue, François-Philippe Champagne, and the Assistant Treasurer of Australia, Daniel Mulino. It aims to facilitate dialogue with governments on policy barriers and associated solutions to improve the business environment for investment in each jurisdiction. This collaboration will unlock greater long-term capital for private investment on behalf of millions of working and retired people in both countries.

The CAP Invest Initiative reflects the natural alignment between Canada and Australia. With a shared heritage, open and resource-rich economies, strong credit worthiness, and reliable and transparent legal institutions, PSP Investments believes there is fertile ground to bolster opportunities for investment between Canada and Australia.

“I’m proud of the strong relationships our team has built in Australia and excited about the role we can continue to play through this initiative,” said Deborah Orida, President and Chief Executive Officer of PSP Investments. “For more than a decade, Australia has been an important market for us. This Memorandum of Understanding strengthens cooperation among like-minded long-term investors and helps create the conditions for durable value and essential infrastructure that supports people and communities.”

Through the MoU, signatories also commit to building awareness of investment models that leverage the expertise of long-term and reliable pension capital with the objective of delivering risk-adjusted returns for working and retired people and value for investee companies.

Alright, big pension news to cap Prime Minister Mark Carney's successful visit to Australia.

So what is this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the Canadian–Australian Pension Funds Investment Initiative (CAP Invest Initiative) all about?

Basically, it's a framework where Canada's largest pension funds (Maple 8 + IMCO) and Australia's largest pension funds will collaborate and exchange ideas to strengthen their pension systems and engage policymakers on what investable opportunities they are looking to invest in.

That's the broad picture. In essence, I agree with the article above that this is all about unlocking opportunities in infrastructure so Canada and Australia's largest pension funds can invest.

Keep in mind, Canada's largest pension funds already invest billions in Australia, mostly in infrastructure but also in real estate, natural resources (where PSP Investments and OTPP have a significant portfolio) and elsewhere.

In fact, Australia is way ahead of Canada in terms of creating the right opportunities for foreign investors to invest in infrastructure and other real assets and we can learn a lot from them.

Again, all of Canada's large pension funds have significant investments in Australia and even issue bonds denominated in Australian dollars, the same cannot be said of Australian pension funds investing in Canada.

Where will the CAP Invest Initiative head and who will nurture it and communicate with stakeholders?

I have no idea, it's all based on voluntary participation, there are no fixed targets, nobody "owns" it but it's clear there will be political pressure on both sides to continue the dialogue and share ideas/ build collaboration.

Alright, that's it from me, my week off turned out to be more work than I wanted (the drawback of being a one-person operation).

Below, Prime Minister Mark Carney delivers a speech to Australia's parliament in Canberra, the second Canadian prime minister to do so in the last 20 years.

Great speech, take the time to listen to it. 

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Algebra Question & Answer PDFs provide a highly effective and convenient learning resource. They offer targeted practice‚ allowing students to focus on specific areas where they need improvement. The inclusion of detailed solutions is paramount; learners can analyze the problem-solving process‚ identifying where they went wrong and reinforcing correct methodologies.

Unlike textbooks‚ PDFs are easily accessible on various devices‚ enabling study anytime‚ anywhere. They’re particularly useful for self-paced learning and exam preparation. Resources like “Algebra: Chapter 0” offer foundational practice‚ while documents addressing “Convergence of Solutions” demonstrate advanced applications. Furthermore‚ PDFs often present a variety of problem types – from simple equations to complex word problems – building proficiency and confidence. They’re a cost-effective alternative to tutoring‚ providing readily available support for mastering algebra.

Basic Algebra Concepts

Fundamental concepts like solving linear and quadratic equations‚ alongside mastering systems of equations through substitution and elimination‚ form the bedrock of algebraic understanding.

Linear Equations: Solving for ‘x’

Mastering linear equations is foundational in algebra‚ involving isolating the variable ‘x’ to determine its value. PDFs dedicated to algebra questions and answers frequently present a range of linear equations‚ from simple one-step problems to more complex multi-step scenarios.

These resources demonstrate techniques like applying inverse operations – addition/subtraction and multiplication/division – to both sides of the equation‚ maintaining balance. Step-by-step solutions within these PDFs illustrate how to simplify expressions‚ combine like terms‚ and ultimately solve for ‘x’.

Practice problems often include equations with variables on both sides‚ requiring students to strategically move terms to isolate ‘x’. Understanding the properties of equality is crucial‚ and these PDFs reinforce this through numerous examples. Successfully solving linear equations builds confidence and prepares students for tackling more advanced algebraic concepts.

Quadratic Equations: Factoring and the Quadratic Formula

Quadratic equations‚ expressed in the form ax² + bx + c = 0‚ represent a significant step up in algebraic complexity. Algebra question and answer PDFs provide extensive practice in solving these equations using two primary methods: factoring and the quadratic formula.

Factoring involves breaking down the quadratic expression into a product of two binomials. PDFs demonstrate various factoring techniques‚ including simple trinomials and difference of squares. When factoring isn’t straightforward‚ the quadratic formula – x = [-b ± √(b² ⏤ 4ac)] / 2a – guarantees a solution.

These resources showcase how to identify the coefficients a‚ b‚ and c‚ and correctly apply the formula. Step-by-step solutions illustrate handling the discriminant (b² ― 4ac) to determine the nature of the roots (real or complex); Mastering both methods is vital for success in higher-level mathematics.

Systems of Equations: Substitution and Elimination

Systems of equations involve solving for multiple unknowns using a set of two or more equations. Algebra question and answer PDFs offer targeted practice with two common solution methods: substitution and elimination.

Substitution involves solving one equation for one variable and substituting that expression into the other equation‚ reducing it to a single variable problem. PDFs clearly demonstrate this process‚ emphasizing algebraic manipulation skills.

Elimination (or addition) focuses on manipulating the equations to eliminate one variable when they are added or subtracted. These resources illustrate multiplying equations by constants to achieve matching coefficients. Step-by-step solutions guide learners through each technique‚ building confidence and problem-solving abilities. Understanding both methods provides flexibility in tackling diverse system-of-equation challenges.

Intermediate Algebra Topics

Algebra PDFs delve into polynomials‚ factoring‚ and rational expressions‚ offering practice with addition‚ subtraction‚ multiplication‚ division‚ and simplification techniques.

Polynomials: Addition‚ Subtraction‚ Multiplication‚ and Division

Algebra Question & Answer PDFs extensively cover polynomial operations‚ providing numerous examples and solutions for addition‚ subtraction‚ multiplication‚ and division.

These resources demonstrate how to combine like terms during addition and subtraction‚ and how to apply the distributive property effectively during multiplication.

Furthermore‚ they guide learners through the process of polynomial long division and synthetic division‚ crucial skills for simplifying complex expressions.

Practice problems within these PDFs often involve varying degrees of polynomials‚ reinforcing understanding of exponents and coefficients.

Solutions are presented step-by-step‚ clarifying each operation and helping students avoid common errors in polynomial manipulation.

Mastering these operations is foundational for more advanced algebraic concepts‚ making these PDF resources invaluable for skill development.

Factoring Polynomials: Common Factors and Special Cases

Algebra Question & Answer PDFs dedicate significant attention to factoring polynomials‚ a cornerstone of algebraic manipulation. They begin with identifying and extracting common factors from polynomial expressions‚ simplifying the factoring process.

Crucially‚ these resources detail special factoring cases‚ including the difference of squares‚ perfect square trinomials‚ and the sum and difference of cubes.

Numerous examples illustrate each case‚ accompanied by detailed‚ step-by-step solutions that clarify the application of appropriate formulas and techniques.

Practice problems progressively increase in complexity‚ challenging students to recognize patterns and apply factoring skills effectively.

The PDFs often include explanations of how factoring relates to solving polynomial equations‚ reinforcing the concept’s practical application.

Successfully mastering these techniques is vital for simplifying expressions and solving equations efficiently.

Rational Expressions: Simplifying and Operations

Algebra Question & Answer PDFs provide comprehensive coverage of rational expressions‚ focusing on simplification and performing various operations. These resources begin by explaining how to simplify rational expressions by factoring both the numerator and denominator‚ identifying and canceling common factors.

Detailed examples demonstrate multiplication‚ division‚ addition‚ and subtraction of rational expressions‚ emphasizing the importance of finding a common denominator.

Step-by-step solutions clearly illustrate each operation‚ including techniques for handling complex fractions.

Practice problems range from basic simplification to more complex operations‚ building proficiency gradually.

The PDFs often include cautions about restricted values that make the denominator zero‚ reinforcing the concept of domain.

Mastering these skills is crucial for advanced algebraic manipulations.

Advanced Algebra Concepts

Algebra Question & Answer PDFs delve into radical expressions‚ exponential/logarithmic functions‚ and complex numbers‚ offering solutions and practice for mastery.

Radical Expressions: Simplifying and Solving Equations

Algebra Question & Answer PDFs frequently feature radical expressions‚ demanding proficiency in simplification and equation-solving techniques. These PDFs provide examples demonstrating how to manipulate expressions containing square roots‚ cube roots‚ and other radicals.

Solutions often involve isolating the radical‚ then raising both sides of the equation to a power to eliminate it. Crucially‚ checking for extraneous solutions is emphasized‚ as this step is vital when dealing with radicals.

Practice problems within these resources cover a spectrum of difficulty‚ from basic simplification of radical terms to solving complex equations involving multiple radicals. Understanding the properties of radicals and applying them correctly are key skills reinforced through these materials. The PDFs offer detailed‚ step-by-step guidance‚ enabling learners to build confidence and accuracy.

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Algebra Question & Answer PDFs dedicate significant attention to exponential and logarithmic functions‚ crucial components of advanced algebra. These resources present problems requiring the application of logarithmic properties – product‚ quotient‚ and power rules – for simplification and equation solving.

PDFs demonstrate how to convert between exponential and logarithmic forms‚ a foundational skill. Solving exponential equations often involves taking logarithms of both sides‚ while solving logarithmic equations requires converting to exponential form.

Practice problems range from evaluating simple expressions to tackling more complex scenarios involving change-of-base formulas. Detailed solutions illustrate each step‚ emphasizing the importance of understanding the inverse relationship between exponential and logarithmic functions. These materials build a strong foundation for calculus and related fields.

Complex Numbers: Operations and Applications

Algebra Question & Answer PDFs thoroughly cover complex numbers‚ extending algebraic principles into the realm of imaginary and complex quantities. These resources detail operations like addition‚ subtraction‚ multiplication‚ and division of complex numbers‚ often expressed in the form a + bi.

PDFs demonstrate techniques for simplifying expressions involving i (the imaginary unit‚ √-1) and rationalizing denominators containing complex numbers. Conjugates play a vital role‚ particularly in division‚ and are explained with illustrative examples.

Applications extend to solving quadratic equations with negative discriminants‚ revealing complex roots. Detailed solutions showcase how complex numbers arise in various mathematical contexts‚ building a solid understanding of their properties and utility.

Word Problems in Algebra

Algebra Question & Answer PDFs feature numerous word problems‚ including age‚ distance-rate-time‚ and work scenarios‚ with equations‚ variables‚ and solutions.

Age Problems: Setting Up Equations

Algebra Question & Answer PDFs frequently include age problems‚ a classic application of algebraic thinking. These problems typically involve relationships between people’s ages at different points in time – past‚ present‚ and future.

Successfully tackling these requires translating wordy descriptions into precise mathematical equations. A common strategy is to represent ages with variables (like ‘x’ or ‘y’) and then formulate equations based on the given information. For instance‚ a statement like “John is twice as old as Mary” translates to x = 2y.

The key is to carefully define your variables and accurately represent the age relationships. PDFs often demonstrate this process step-by-step‚ showing how to set up the equations‚ solve for the unknowns‚ and ultimately determine the ages in question. Practice with these examples builds proficiency in this essential algebraic skill.

Distance‚ Rate‚ and Time Problems

Algebra Question & Answer PDFs consistently feature distance‚ rate‚ and time problems‚ fundamental exercises in applying algebraic principles to real-world scenarios. These problems leverage the core formula: Distance = Rate x Time (d = rt).

The challenge lies in deciphering the problem’s details to correctly identify the knowns and unknowns. PDFs often present variations where rates are combined (e.g.‚ a boat traveling with or against a current) or times are expressed in different units.

Effective problem-solving involves carefully assigning variables to represent distance‚ rate‚ and time‚ then constructing equations based on the given information. Step-by-step solutions within these PDFs demonstrate how to manipulate the d = rt formula and solve for the desired variable‚ building a strong foundation in algebraic modeling.

Work Problems: Combined Rates

Algebra Question & Answer PDFs frequently include work problems centered around combined rates‚ assessing the ability to model collaborative efforts. These problems typically involve multiple individuals or machines working together to complete a task.

The key concept is that the combined rate is the sum of individual rates. If Person A completes a job in ‘x’ hours and Person B in ‘y’ hours‚ their combined rate is (1/x + 1/y) jobs per hour.

PDF solutions demonstrate setting up equations to represent the portion of work completed by each entity and solving for the time it takes to finish the job collectively. These examples build proficiency in translating word problems into algebraic expressions and applying rate-time-work relationships.

Specific Problem Types & Solutions

Algebra Question & Answer PDFs detail solutions for equations with fractions‚ radicals‚ and inequalities‚ providing clear‚ step-by-step guidance for diverse algebraic challenges.

Solving Equations with Fractions

Algebra Question & Answer PDFs frequently include detailed examples demonstrating how to solve equations containing fractional terms. A core technique involves finding the least common denominator (LCD) of all fractions present in the equation.

This LCD is then multiplied across every term on both sides of the equation‚ effectively eliminating the fractions. This crucial step transforms the equation into a more manageable form‚ typically a linear or quadratic equation.

Following this‚ standard algebraic techniques – combining like terms‚ isolating the variable – are applied to solve for the unknown. PDF resources often showcase multiple examples‚ progressing from simpler to more complex fractional equations.

Careful attention is given to checking solutions‚ as multiplying by the LCD can sometimes introduce extraneous roots that don’t satisfy the original equation. These PDFs emphasize this verification process.

Solving Equations with Radicals

Algebra Question & Answer PDFs dedicate sections to solving equations involving radical expressions‚ such as square roots‚ cube roots‚ and beyond. A primary strategy is to isolate the radical term on one side of the equation.

Once isolated‚ both sides of the equation are raised to the power of the radical’s index (e.g.‚ squared for a square root‚ cubed for a cube root). This operation aims to eliminate the radical‚ transforming the equation into a polynomial form;

Subsequently‚ standard algebraic methods are employed to solve for the variable. However‚ a critical step is verifying each potential solution in the original equation.

Raising both sides to a power can introduce extraneous solutions – values that satisfy the transformed equation but not the original radical equation. These PDFs consistently highlight the importance of this verification process to ensure accuracy.

Solving Inequalities

Algebra Question & Answer PDFs provide comprehensive guidance on solving algebraic inequalities‚ mirroring the techniques used for equations but with crucial distinctions. The goal remains isolating the variable‚ but multiplying or dividing both sides by a negative number necessitates flipping the inequality sign.

These PDFs emphasize this rule to avoid errors‚ illustrating it with numerous examples. Interval notation is frequently used to express the solution set‚ offering a clear visual representation of all values satisfying the inequality.

Particular attention is given to absolute value inequalities‚ demonstrating how to split them into separate cases and solve each accordingly.

Verification‚ while not always strictly necessary‚ is encouraged to confirm the solution set’s validity‚ especially with more complex inequalities.

Resources for Algebra PDFs

Algebra PDFs‚ like UCLA’s Linear Algebra Midterm II solutions and “Chapter 0” textbooks‚ offer foundational practice and advanced problem-solving techniques.

UCLA Linear Algebra Midterm II Solutions

UCLA’s Linear Algebra Midterm II Solutions represent a valuable resource for students seeking to deepen their understanding of core algebraic concepts. This PDF document provides detailed‚ step-by-step solutions to a comprehensive set of problems covering topics typically found in a second midterm exam for a university-level linear algebra course.

Students can utilize these solutions to verify their own work‚ identify areas where they struggle‚ and learn alternative approaches to problem-solving. The document’s clarity and thoroughness make it an excellent study aid‚ particularly for those preparing for similar assessments. It’s a practical example of how solved problems can illuminate complex mathematical principles.

Beyond simply providing answers‚ the solutions demonstrate the logical progression required to arrive at the correct result‚ reinforcing fundamental algebraic techniques and fostering a stronger grasp of linear algebra’s underlying principles. Accessing and studying this resource can significantly enhance a student’s overall performance.

Algebra: Chapter 0 ― Textbook Foundations

“Algebra: Chapter 0” serves as a foundational textbook‚ signaling a deliberate return to the basics – a crucial starting point for mastering algebraic concepts. This resource isn’t merely about presenting formulas; it’s about establishing a solid groundwork upon which more complex ideas can be built. It emphasizes building a strong understanding of prerequisite skills before diving into advanced topics.

While not directly a question-and-answer PDF‚ the textbook’s exercises and accompanying solutions implicitly function as such. Students can work through problems and then check their answers‚ reinforcing their learning through practice. The textbook’s approach is designed to foster a deep‚ intuitive grasp of algebra‚ rather than rote memorization.

This foundational text provides the necessary building blocks for success in subsequent algebra courses‚ ensuring students possess the essential skills to tackle more challenging problems and concepts effectively. It’s a cornerstone for algebraic proficiency.

Convergence of Solutions of Bilateral Problems

“Convergence of Solutions of Bilateral Problems in Variable Domains”‚ authored by A.A. Kovalevsky (2017)‚ delves into the intricate row and column structure of solutions within matrix polynomial equations. Though highly theoretical‚ understanding solution behavior is fundamental to solving complex algebraic problems.

This research utilizes computer algebra systems like Mathematica to analyze the stability of solutions derived from equations of motion‚ offering insights into their convergence. While not a direct question-and-answer resource‚ the document’s analytical approach exemplifies a rigorous method for verifying algebraic solutions.

The study’s focus on solution structure and stability provides a deeper understanding of why certain solutions are valid‚ complementing practical problem-solving techniques found in typical algebra PDFs. It represents a higher-level exploration of algebraic principles.

Utilizing PDFs for Effective Learning

Algebra PDFs facilitate learning through step-by-step solutions‚ ample practice problems‚ and identification of common errors—building proficiency and solidifying understanding of concepts.

Step-by-Step Solutions: Understanding the Process

Algebra Question & Answer PDFs truly shine when offering detailed‚ step-by-step solutions. These aren’t simply answers; they’re roadmaps demonstrating how to arrive at the correct result. This is crucial for students struggling with specific concepts or problem-solving techniques.

The provided examples showcase how equations are manipulated‚ variables are isolated‚ and solutions are verified. For instance‚ word problems are broken down‚ showing the translation from textual descriptions into mathematical expressions. This process includes defining variables‚ setting up the equation‚ and then solving it systematically.

Furthermore‚ these PDFs often highlight key algebraic principles applied at each stage‚ reinforcing theoretical understanding alongside practical application. Examining solutions to problems involving radicals‚ fractions‚ or exponents reveals the order of operations and the correct application of algebraic rules. This methodical approach fosters a deeper comprehension than merely memorizing formulas.

Practice Problems: Building Proficiency

Algebra Question & Answer PDFs aren’t just about seeing solutions; they’re fundamentally about practice. The inclusion of numerous problems – some documents contain upwards of 100 – allows students to actively engage with the material and solidify their understanding. Repeated exposure to diverse problem types is key to building proficiency.

These PDFs often present a range of difficulty levels‚ starting with simpler exercises and progressing to more complex scenarios involving radicals‚ fractions‚ and exponents. This gradual increase in challenge helps students build confidence and develop their problem-solving skills incrementally.

Consistent practice‚ coupled with reviewing the step-by-step solutions‚ enables students to internalize algebraic concepts and recognize patterns. This ultimately leads to faster and more accurate problem-solving abilities‚ preparing them for more advanced mathematical studies.

Identifying Common Mistakes

Algebra Question & Answer PDFs are invaluable tools for pinpointing frequent errors. By meticulously reviewing solved problems‚ students can identify areas where they consistently stumble. Often‚ mistakes stem from simple arithmetic errors‚ incorrect application of formulas‚ or misunderstandings of fundamental algebraic principles.

The detailed solutions provided within these PDFs allow for a comparative analysis – students can directly compare their own work with the correct approach‚ highlighting discrepancies. Recognizing these patterns of errors is crucial for targeted improvement.

Furthermore‚ studying solved problems exposes students to common pitfalls related to radicals‚ fractions‚ and exponents. This proactive approach to error identification fosters a deeper understanding and prevents the repetition of mistakes in future problem-solving endeavors.

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Key takeaways

• EPI’s updated Family Budget Calculator shows how much income it takes to afford basic expenses in every metro area and county across the United States in 2025.
• The Family Budget Calculator can be used to assess a living wage level and shows that states like Oklahoma need a higher minimum wage. The state’s minimum wage falls short by over $12 an hour in meeting a one-person budget in the state’s lowest cost county.
• Voters in Oklahoma will have the chance to raise their state’s minimum wage this summer, which will help low-wage workers better achieve a decent standard of living.
• As of 2025, there is no county or metro area in the country where a minimum-wage worker is paid enough to meet the requirements of their local family budget on their wages alone.

Now updated with 2025 data, EPI’s widely cited Family Budget Calculator (FBC) shows what it takes to make ends meet for different family types in all counties and metro areas in the United States. For more than 20 years, we have calculated family budgets for basic expenses like housing, food, health care, child care, transportation, other necessities, and taxes. In doing so, we create a more location-specific and realistic assessment of cost of living than traditional poverty thresholds.

We use government-provided data where possible and stay up to date with changes in policy and data availability. Because of this, and due to related changes in methodology, we don’t recommend comparing budgets over time. For more details on the construction of EPI’s family budgets and all of the datasets we use, see the full methodology. For a video tutorial on how to use the FBC, see here. The full dataset is downloadable here.

Example case: Most and least expensive metro areas in Oklahoma

Using family budgets in Oklahoma as an example, Figure A compares each budget component for one-parent, one-child and two-parent, two-child families in the state’s least expensive (Fort Smith) and most expensive (Tulsa) metro areas. Technically, the city of Fort Smith is located in Arkansas, but the metro area crosses into Oklahoma.

Costs for a one-parent, one-child family budget vary from $61,928 in Fort Smith to $73,678 in Tulsa, with housing and transportation being two of the largest costs. In areas with limited access to public transit, the costs of buying, maintaining, and driving a car can be a large burden.

Food, health care, and child care are considerably more expensive for larger families. For a two-parent, two-child family, the total cost of affording a basic standard of living ranges from $87,994 in Fort Smith to $103,642 in Tulsa. The largest difference between Fort Smith and Tulsa is the cost of child care, which is 50% more expensive in Tulsa.

Figure A The Family Budget Calculator can be used to calculate living wages

The FBC has been cited by living-wage advocates, private employers, academics, and policymakers who are looking for comprehensive measures of economic security. EPI’s family budget tool is also frequently used to gauge the adequacy of labor earnings, and we are often asked how to construct a living-wage standard from our family budget numbers. Doing so requires making choices and assumptions about how a family’s needs could or should be met that will result in different “living wage” values. For instance, health care expenses could be covered primarily by families, employers, or public programs (such as Medicare or through premium subsidies in the health insurance marketplace). We provide a user’s guide to translate our FBC data into living wages.

The FBC can be used to roughly calculate the hourly wage necessary to meet a family budget through labor market income alone. For a full-time, year-round worker providing for themselves and their family, we simply divide the required budget by 2,080 (40 hours a week multiplied by 52 weeks a year) to get an hourly wage equivalent. The full dataset of living wage options is downloadable here.

Example case: McIntosh County

McIntosh County—located in Muscogee (Creek) Tribal Jurisdiction—is the lowest cost county in Oklahoma for single adult households. Figure B shows that a full-time, year-round adult worker without children would need to be paid $19.99 per hour to meet the requirements of their $41,577 budget to attain a modest yet adequate standard of living. The current minimum wage in Oklahoma—$7.25 an hour—falls short by $12.74 per hour, or $26,500 annually. In other words, minimum wage workers are paid less than 40% of what they need to afford to live, even in the least expensive county in Oklahoma.

One common benchmark for setting living wages is that an adult working full time should be able to support themselves and one child. In McIntosh County, a worker with one child would need to be paid $30.99 per hour to afford an annual budget of $64,456. This means that Oklahoma’s current minimum wage is $23.74 per hour lower than a living wage, or almost $49,400 annually.

These basic calculations assume that all income comes from wages, but wages are not the only resource available to families. If an employer offers health insurance or the state subsidizes child care, the wage needed to meet a basic family budget would be reduced, as shown in Figure B. Conversely, if reasonable savings for retirement, college, or emergencies are considered critical budget items, then the living wage required would be even greater.

Figure B Oklahoma needs a higher minimum wage

Our Family Budget Calculator highlights the need for a higher minimum wage in Oklahoma. The state still follows the dismally low federal minimum wage, which Congress has not updated since 2009 despite 44.1% cumulative inflation since then. At $7.25 per hour, the federal minimum wage is not high enough to keep workers out of poverty, much less provide a modest yet adequate standard of living.

It’s time for Oklahoma to pass a minimum wage increase that can support workers and their families across the state, and residents are ready for the change. In 2024, more than 157,000 Oklahomans signed a petition to request a statewide election to vote on whether to raise the state’s minimum wage. Although organizers collected enough signatures well before the deadline to be placed on the November 2024 ballot, a lengthy certification process delayed State Question (SQ) 832’s approval. In September 2024, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt delayed the vote by nearly two years and scheduled it for June 2026.

If voters pass the measure this summer, SQ 832 will increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2029, starting with an increase to $12 per hour in 2027. The legislation also mandates annual inflation adjustments starting in 2030 and extends the wage floor to historically excluded categories of workers such as tipped workers, farmworkers, part-time employees, domestic workers, and feed store employees.

According to EPI’s 2024 estimates, this higher minimum wage would benefit 320,000 Oklahoman workers (directly benefiting the more than 200,000 Oklahomans who are paid less than $15 per hour and indirectly boosting wages for another 119,000 workers.) Low-wage workers are not just teenagers working fast-food jobs on the weekends; nearly 82% of affected workers are age 20 or older and more than half (51.3%) are working full time. Women in particular are more likely to work at or near the minimum wage, making up almost two-thirds (62.9%) of affected workers.

Workers of color are also disproportionately more likely than white workers to work low-wage jobs: while they make up about one-third (34.8%) of the Oklahoma workforce, they are nearly half of the affected workforce (48.7%). This disparity is the outcome of decades of violence and discrimination. For example, the destruction of Tulsa’s Black Wall Street brought an end to a vital center for Black economic advancement. Higher wages, alongside strong nondiscrimination laws, are necessary to rectify this inequality.

Oklahoma is one of the country’s poorest states, with one in seven residents (14.9%) living in poverty and nearly one in five (18.9%) children living at or below the federal poverty line. Passing SQ 832 and raising the minimum wage would alleviate poverty, help workers and their families, and boost Oklahoma’s economy. Without it, many Oklahomans will continue to struggle to afford basic necessities as costs of living grow.

But it’s not just Oklahoma—the Family Budget Calculator shows that nowhere in the country can a minimum-wage worker meet the requirements of their local family budget on their wages alone. Raising wages is a critical, but often overlooked, component of solving the affordability crisis. EPI’s Family Budget Calculator is a vital tool for understanding the wages and resources that are needed for families to afford the true cost of living across the United States.

Tyler Choi of Sustainable Biz reports Brookfield, BCI, Norges to launch Northview Energy:

Brookfield Asset Management, British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) and the manager of Norway’s sovereign wealth fund have joined forces to create a renewables company named Northview Energy, which could acquire over $1 billion of assets (all figures US unless otherwise noted) in future deals.

Scheduled to launch in Q2 and valued at approximately $2.6 billion, Northview is described as a private firm that will acquire and own a diversified portfolio of contracted, operating renewable assets in the U.S. and Canada. Northview is expected to acquire a seed portfolio of assets from companies managed by Brookfield, such as U.S. companies Deriva Energy and Scout Clean Energy.

The seed portfolio, Brookfield said in a release, is to comprise 22 contracted utility-scale solar and onshore wind installations in markets “experiencing strong energy demand growth across the U.S.”

The projects total approximately 2.3 gigawatts (GW) of operating capacity and are newly operational, according to Brookfield. Norges Bank, Norway's central bank which manages the country's sovereign wealth fund, said the 22 projects are made up of 17 solar facilities and five onshore wind farms across 11 states.

The assets are backed by long-term power purchase agreements with investment grade counterparties, with a weighted average remaining term of approximately 16 years.

Sustainable Biz Canada has reached out to Brookfield for additional comment. Brookfield replied but provided no details.

Equal ownership in Northview

The three parties behind Northview signed the agreement for the company on Feb. 25, Norges Bank said.

Northview has also entered into a framework agreement for potential future acquisitions of renewable assets from Brookfield-managed portfolio companies in the U.S. and Canada, representing up to $1.5 billion of equity capital.

“This partnership marks the creation of a scalable platform for Brookfield and our partners,” Jehangir Vevaina, chief investment officer of Brookfield’s renewable power and transition group, said in the announcement.

“Northview Energy will be an owner of high-quality operating assets that deliver affordable and clean power to the grid and the framework for future acquisitions provides a clear growth pathway for the vehicle to add de-risked, high-quality, cash-yielding assets delivering strong returns.”

Brookfield, BCI and Norges Bank Investment Management will share customary governance rights for Northview, and will equally fund and own the company.

Future acquisitions are expected to focus on de-risked operating assets, such as onshore wind, utility-scale solar and battery storage.

“Northview is a highly strategic addition to our infrastructure portfolio, bringing together de‑risked renewable energy assets, long‑term contracted revenues, and a clear path for growth alongside like-minded, high‑calibre partners," Lincoln Webb, the executive vice-president and global head of infrastructure and renewable resources at BCI, said in the announcement.

Despite regulatory pressures on the renewables sector in the U.S., clean energy infrastructure continues to be developed. Much of the rising demand for electricity in 2027 will "will be met by growth in generation from renewable sources of energy," the U.S. Energy Information Administration said in a February report.

The Canadian Renewables Association expects 2026 "to set a pace for steady growth that will continue into the next decade and beyond." The industry organization anticipates eight GW of new renewables capacity by 2029.

The three owners of Northview

Based in New York but majority owned by Toronto's Brookfield Corporation, Brookfield Asset Management has over $1 trillion of assets under management across the renewables, infrastructure, private equity, real estate and credit sectors.

In its 2024 sustainability report, the latest to date, the company reported its target to reach net-zero across its operationally managed investments by 2050 or sooner. It also highlighted commissioning approximately 15 GW of clean energy capacity since 2022 and raising over $37 billion in its transition business.

Based in Victoria, BCI is an institutional investor with C$295 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025. BCI’s Infrastructure & Renewable Resources program is a diversified portfolio valued at C$32.2 billion as of March 31, 2025. The program has assets located around the world including the U.S., emerging markets and Canada.

Norges Bank manages the Norwegian government’s pension fund, the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund valued at approximately $2.1 trillion. As part of its 2025 climate action plan, the pension fund increased its renewable energy infrastructure portfolio to almost $8.7 billion.

Northview “marks our first investment in North America and an important step in diversifying our renewable energy infrastructure portfolio,” Harald von Heyden, global head of energy and infrastructure at Norges Bank, said. 

Earlier today, BCI issued a press release on the deal with Brookflied and NBIM to launch Northview Energy:

new renewable energy platform anchored with high-quality, contracted, utility scale solar and onshore wind assets

All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated

VICTORIA, OSLO and NEW YORK — British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (“BCI”), Norges Bank Investment Management and Brookfield today announced the launch of Northview Energy (the “Company” or “Northview”), a privately held renewable energy company that will acquire and own a diversified portfolio of contracted, operating renewable assets in the U.S. and Canada.

Northview Energy will be equally funded and owned by the three investors. The Company will acquire a seed portfolio of assets from leading renewable energy companies currently managed by Brookfield, including assets from Deriva Energy, Scout Clean Energy and Urban Grid.

Northview offers a highly de-risked, stable cash flow profile, generating predictable income with strong downside protection, and resilience across market cycles. The seed portfolio is comprised of 22 contracted, high-quality utility scale solar and onshore wind assets in power markets experiencing strong energy demand growth across the U.S. The assets are newly operational and represent approximately 2.3 gigawatts of operating capacity diversified across six power markets. All assets are backed by long-term power purchase agreements with investment grade counterparties, with a weighted average remaining term of approximately 16 years.

BCI, Norges Bank Investment Management and Brookfield will share customary governance rights and a dedicated management team will be appointed to lead the Company.

Northview has also entered into a Framework Agreement for potential future acquisitions of renewable assets from Brookfield-managed portfolio companies in the U.S. and Canada representing up to $1.5 billion of equity capital.

Future acquisitions are expected to focus on de-risked operating assets, including onshore wind, utility scale solar and battery storage, generating stable and predictable cash flows under long-term contracts with investment grade counterparties. Any future acquisitions made by Northview will be subject to the prior approval of BCI, Norges Bank Investment Management and Brookfield, with each party contributing pro rata to fund acquisitions.

Lincoln Webb, Executive Vice President & Global Head, Infrastructure & Renewable Resources at BCI, said: “Northview is a highly strategic addition to our infrastructure portfolio, bringing together de‑risked renewable energy assets, long‑term contracted revenues, and a clear path for growth alongside likeminded, high‑calibre partners. With a diversified portfolio of new solar and wind projects serving an established base of premium clients, the platform is designed to be resilient in an evolving energy landscape.”

Harald von Heyden, Global Head of Energy and Infrastructure at Norges Bank Investment Management, said: “This marks our first investment in North America and an important step in diversifying our renewable energy infrastructure portfolio. We are pleased to partner with Brookfield and BCI as we seek to capture compelling opportunities in one of the world’s largest renewable energy markets.”

Jehangir Vevaina, Chief Investment Officer for Brookfield’s Renewable Power & Transition group, said: “This partnership marks the creation of a scalable platform for Brookfield and our partners. Northview Energy will be an owner of high-quality operating assets that deliver affordable and clean power to the grid and the framework for future acquisitions provides a clear growth pathway for the vehicle to add de-risked, high-quality, cash yielding assets delivering strong returns.”

Subject to the receipt of required approvals and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, Northview Energy is expected to officially launch during the second quarter of 2026 under the ownership of BCI, Norges Bank Investment Management and Brookfield. More information about the company can be found at www.northviewenergy.com.

TD Securities acted as exclusive financial advisor to Brookfield on the sale of the seed portfolio and commitment for future acquisitions.

 Brookfield issued the same press release here.

NBIM issued this press release on the deal:

The agreement was signed on 25 February 2026.

Norges Bank Investment Management will pay approximately USD 425 million for its 33.3 percent interest in the portfolio, valuing the total enterprise at approximately USD 2.6 billion. The investment is made alongside British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) and Brookfield, with each partner holding an equal ownership stake.

"This marks our first investment in North America and an important step in diversifying our renewable energy infrastructure portfolio. We are pleased to partner with Brookfield and BCI as we seek to capture compelling opportunities in one of the world's largest renewable energy markets," says Harald von Heyden, Global Head of Energy and Infrastructure at Norges Bank Investment Management.

The portfolio comprises 22 operating assets totalling approximately 2.3 GW of capacity, including 17 utility-scale solar facilities and 5 onshore wind farms across 11 states and six power markets.

[1] Norges Bank Investment Management is the fund management division of Norges Bank. All unlisted (or direct) investments in real estate and renewable energy infrastructure are made and managed by subsidiary structures set up by Norges Bank.

Alright, week off in Quebec but this is a huge deal which I need to cover quickly.

I would invite my readers to learn more about Northview Energy here.

A quick overview of the company:

The supplier of choice for the organizations and enterprises that power the world economy forward. Created to meet the growing demand for reliable, large-scale renewable energy solutions from enterprise customers. Operating across North America with multiple owned and operated renewable sources, backed by long-term institutional capital. Improving life through energy. 

Our clean energy assets are newly developed and operational, built to the highest standards and generating power in as little as 6 months from standing start. 

Existing enterprise clients and organizations already take 99% of current renewable energy capacity, with significant demand for more. 

We have a roadmap of planned expansion across energy types and locations to grow our footprint and capacity across North America.

Valued at approximately US$2.6 billion, Northview will commence operations in Q2 and is expected to acquire a seed portfolio of assets from companies managed by Brookfield, such as US companies Deriva Energy and Scout Clean Energy.

From the first article: 

The seed portfolio, Brookfield said in a release, is to comprise 22 contracted utility-scale solar and onshore wind installations in markets “experiencing strong energy demand growth across the U.S.”

The projects total approximately 2.3 gigawatts (GW) of operating capacity and are newly operational, according to Brookfield. Norges Bank, Norway's central bank which manages the country's sovereign wealth fund, said the 22 projects are made up of 17 solar facilities and five onshore wind farms across 11 states.

The assets are backed by long-term power purchase agreements with investment grade counterparties, with a weighted average remaining term of approximately 16 years.

That last part is critical because these long-term power purchase agreements offer great downside protection and have inflation adjustments embedded in them.

Lincoln Webb, Executive Vice President & Global Head, Infrastructure & Renewable Resources at BCI, stated it well in the press release:

“Northview is a highly strategic addition to our infrastructure portfolio, bringing together de‑risked renewable energy assets, long‑term contracted revenues, and a clear path for growth alongside likeminded, high‑calibre partners. With a diversified portfolio of new solar and wind projects serving an established base of premium clients, the platform is designed to be resilient in an evolving energy landscape.”

And now BCI, NBIM and Brookfield will co-own the platform and nurture it as it grows and acquires more renewable energy projects.

This is a terrific renewable energy platform backed by three leading global investors. 

Great deal, had to cover it, time to take some time off.

Below, Brookfield CEO Bruce Flatt on The Pulse with Francine Lacqua (5 days ago). 

Great interview, take the time to watch it. 

This op-ed was originally published on MS NOW. Read the full piece here. 

President Donald Trump has said some strikingly out-of-touch things about affordability: that it’s a “hoax,” he’s “solved it” and he’s “won affordability.” In his State of the Union address, he even said “prices are plummeting downward.” U.S. families know this is nonsense. But to see how much Trump’s policies will erode affordability in the coming years, you must understand that affordability isn’t just about prices. 

Affordability is the outcome of a race between incomes and prices. And for typical families, the Trump agenda is near-guaranteed to harm their incomes far more than it can possibly reduce their prices. 

Even judged by the movement of prices alone, Trump’s record on affordability is poor. Inflation fell from 8.0% to 3.0% in the final two years of the Biden administration. This rapid downward movement slowed to a crawl in the first year of Trump’s second term, with inflation falling from 3.0% to just over 2.6%.

There are clear policy reasons why progress in reducing inflation has slowed. Electricity prices have surged as the Trump administration has ended subsidies for renewable generation passed during the Biden administration. The Trump tax cuts passed in the president’s first term were part of a law that gouged loopholes in the tax code, including inviting pharmaceutical companies to offshore their production and import back into the United States. Last year the Trump administration put tariffs on these offshored pharmaceuticals, pushing up their costs. When the administration failed to extend Obamacare subsidies for people buying health insurance through the exchanges, healthier enrollees who could afford to began opting out, driving up prices for everybody left in the Affordable Care Act marketplace.  

And these are not the only ways that Trump administration policies have intensified affordability issues for ordinary Americans.

Read the full piece here. 

Canadian Property Management reports CPP Investments inks Nordic data centre deal:

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) is furthering its collaboration with the global digital infrastructure company, Equinix, through joint acquisition of the atNorth data centre portfolio, stretching across five Nordic nations. CPP Investments will contribute roughly USD $1.6 billion to secure a 60 per cent controlling interest in atNorth, which encompasses eight operational data centres and three high-density colocation facilities now in development.

“The Nordics are an attractive market for data centre growth and the opportunity to partner with Equinix on this acquisition allows us to deploy capital at scale into a high-quality platform,” says Maximilian Biagosch, senior managing director and global head of real assets with CPP Investments.

The two investors are already part of a three-way partnership with the sovereign wealth fund, GIC, focused on developing hyperscale data facilities in the United States. The atNorth deal aligns with CPP Investments’ data centre strategy and augments publicly traded Equinix’s presence in the Nordics, where it currently operates eight data centres in Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden.

The new acquisitions will continue to operate under the atNorth brand, which is headquartered in Reykjavik, Iceland, with presence in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. The data centre provider has 800 megawatts of installed or in-development capacity, and has power agreements in place to enable an additional 1 gigawatt of capacity and a move into hyperscale services. Its existing portfolio applies renewable energy resources, heat reuse technology and design efficiencies to reduce environmental impacts — also in step with Equinix’s renewable energy footprint for its European operations and target for net-zero emissions globally by 2040.

“Combined with our joint focus on sustainability, this acquisition is expected to enhance our ability to help customers unlock the full potential of the Nordics’ expanding digital landscape,” maintains Bruce Owen, president of Equinix in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Asia) market. “We are delighted to partner with CPP Investments, whose long-term track record of investing in the sector is highly complementary to Equinix’s connectivity services.”

“I’m extremely proud to announce the next step in our chapter, welcoming this investment from CPP Investments and Equinix, which will enable access to capital, global enterprise and hyperscale relationships, and supply chain strength required to scale at pace,” says Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson, atNorth’s chief executive officer.

The USD $4.2 billion agreement covers both the acquisition and capital for future expansion, with underwriting advanced by Canadian and European lenders. It will be finalized subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.

Last week, CPP Investments issued a press release stating it entered into a joint agreement with Equinix to purchase atNorth, a leading Nordic data center provider:

Leading Data Center Provider in the Nordics Has Operations in Five Countries, Providing Equinix with Access to Capacity to Meet Enterprise, AI and Hyperscale Demand in Key Markets

TORONTO, Canada and AMSTERDAM, Netherlands – February 27, 2026 – Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) and Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), the world’s digital infrastructure company®, today announced they have entered into a joint agreement to purchase atNorth—a leading Nordic high-density colocation and built-to-suit data center provider—from Partners Group, one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry.

The US$4 billion enterprise value transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. The agreement between CPP Investments and Equinix will support atNorth in its continued rapid scaling, through capturing opportunities created by rising demand for data center infrastructure. CPP Investments will invest approximately US$1.6 billion, owning an approximate 60% controlling interest, and Equinix will own an approximate 40% stake. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive upon close to Equinix’s adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) per share.

atNorth’s portfolio includes eight operational data centers alongside several sites under development across Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, as well as plans for further expansion, with 1 GW of secured power and a considerable amount of additional future capacity planned. Designed to meet increasing demand for AI and high-performance computing, several of the company’s facilities are liquid cooling-enabled to support high-density workloads. Across its portfolio, atNorth integrates renewable energy sourcing, heat reuse initiatives and efficient modular design to advance circular economy principles and minimize environmental impact.

“This acquisition is a powerful validation of atNorth’s journey and its market position as the leading Nordics data center platform,” said Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson, CEO of atNorth. “It further illustrates the strategic importance of the region as Europe’s rising AI powerhouse. I’m extremely proud to announce the next step in our chapter, welcoming this investment from CPP Investments and Equinix, which will enable access to capital, global enterprise, and hyperscale relationships, and supply chain strength required to scale at pace. Our strategy remains firmly rooted in the Nordics, and we will continue to operate independently under the atNorth brand, preserving our dedication to the communities where we operate and the culture and values that have defined our success to date.”

“This transaction builds on our long-standing and highly productive relationship with Equinix,” said Maximilian Biagosch, Senior Managing Director & Global Head of Real Assets, CPP Investments. “It demonstrates our conviction and commitment to the data center sector, where demand continues to accelerate, fueled by continued strong enterprise demand as well as cloud and AI adoption. The Nordics are an attractive market for data center growth and the opportunity to partner with Equinix on this acquisition allows us to deploy capital at scale into a high-quality platform, helping us deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns for CPP contributors and beneficiaries.”

“The scalable sites of atNorth are very complementary to Equinix’s connectivity services and global footprint. Combined with our joint focus on sustainability, this acquisition is expected to enhance our ability to help customers unlock the full potential of the Nordics’ expanding digital landscape,” explained Bruce Owen, President, EMEA, Equinix. “For businesses looking to scale with resilience, Equinix offers a future-ready infrastructure for long-term success, maintaining the jurisdictional and data sovereignty of organizations operating in the region. We are delighted to partner with CPP Investments, whose long-term track record of investing in the sector is highly complementary to Equinix’s connectivity services.”

There are multiple factors contributing to the Nordics’ burgeoning status as a critical hub for the next generation of digital growth. The Nordics region is widely recognized for its strong and resilient economy, supported by a long‑standing emphasis on innovation, research and technical expertise. Renowned worldwide for its leadership in environmentally sustainable projects, the Nordic region provides access to renewable energy sources, bolstered by its naturally cool climates.

Highlights / Key Facts

• As part of the transaction, CPP Investments and Equinix have provisionally agreed to a financing package of US$4.2 billion (€3.6 billion), underwritten by a group of European and Canadian lenders to fund the transaction as well as the capital required to fund the expansion of the business.
• atNorth has an installed and active development pipeline of approximately 800 MW that will come online over the next five years. In addition, it has plans for significant further expansion, with an additional 1 GW of secured power and a considerable amount of future capacity planned, providing a platform for future expansion across the Nordics.
• Equinix currently operates eight data centers in the Nordics, including five in Helsinki and three in Stockholm, contributing to a wider European footprint of over 100 facilities across 20 countries. This regional reach enables customers to deploy infrastructure close to end users and directly connect with AI, cloud, network and enterprise partners anywhere in the world.
• The transaction adds to CPP Investments’ long-standing collaboration with Equinix, which includes a 2024 joint venture alongside GIC to expand the Equinix xScale® data center program.
• The investment further enhances CPP Investments’ global data center strategy and builds out its presence in Europe.
• Designing for responsible operations and in line with atNorth’s sustainability focus, Equinix operates all its European facilities with 100% renewable energy coverage and is on track to achieve its global net-zero target by 2040. The company’s environmental strategy centers around implementing energy efficiency initiatives to optimize energy usage, piloting innovative decarbonization solutions and collaborating with suppliers to address emissions.
• Equinix delivers customer-controlled sovereignty, providing the foundation of digital infrastructure—secure facilities, reliable power, private connectivity—with customers keeping 100% control of their technology stack, data and operational decisions. The company’s global infrastructure enables organizations to access comprehensive ecosystems around the world while maintaining uncompromising local control.
• Equinix was advised by Guggenheim Securities Europe Ltd. as financial advisor as well as Slaughter and May as legal advisor.

Additional Resources

• Sustainability at Equinix [website]
• Unmatched interconnection, scalable colocation and infrastructure across Europe, the Middle East and Africa [website]
• What’s Driving the Digital Economy in the Nordic Countries? [blog]
• The Future of Autonomous Networking: How AI Is Redefining Connectivity [blog]

About atNorth

atNorth is the leading Nordic data center company that offers cost-effective, scalable high-density colocation and built-to-suit services trusted by industry-leading organizations. With sustainability at its core, atNorth’s data centers run on renewable energy resources and support circular economy principles. All atNorth sites leverage innovative design, power efficiency, and intelligent operations to provide long-term infrastructure and flexible colocation deployments. atNorth is headquartered in Reykjavik, Iceland and operates eight data centers in strategic locations across the Nordics, as well as a ninth under construction in Kouvola, Finland, a tenth site in Ølgod, Denmark and an eleventh campus in Stockholm, Sweden. The business has also announced a new mega-site development in the Sollefteå Municipality in Sweden.

For more information, visit atNorth.com or follow atNorth on LinkedIn.

About CPP Investments

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments™) is a professional investment management organization that manages the Canada Pension Plan Fund in the best interest of the more than 22 million contributors and beneficiaries. In order to build diversified portfolios of assets, we make investments around the world in public equities, private equities, real estate, infrastructure, fixed income and alternative strategies including in partnership with funds. Headquartered in Toronto, with offices in Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York City, São Paulo and Sydney, CPP Investments is governed and managed independently of the Canada Pension Plan and at arm’s length from governments. At December 31, 2025, the Fund totaled C$780.7 billion. For more information, please visit www.cppinvestments.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram or on X @CPPInvestments.

About Equinix

Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX) shortens the path to boundless connectivity anywhere in the world. Its digital infrastructure, data center footprint and interconnected ecosystems empower innovations that enhance our work, life and planet. Equinix connects economies, countries, organizations and communities, delivering seamless digital experiences and cutting-edge AI—quickly, efficiently and everywhere. 

It's March break here in Quebec, so I will be very brief.

This is another fantastic acquisition for CPP Investments, partnering with Equinix to acquire atNorth. 

To really appreciate this transaction, I invite you read this 2024 interview where atNorth CEO Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson discussed the DEN02 project in Denmark:

In an interview, atNorth’s CEO Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson discussed the company’s newest project, DEN02—a mega data center in Denmark set to advance heat reuse for greenhouses and local housing. With an initial capacity of 250MW and plans for significant scalability, DEN02 aims to make atNorth a major data center provider in Denmark.

The center will support colocation and high-performance computing (HPC) needs, especially for AI-intensive workloads, leveraging Denmark’s green energy grid.

The DEN02 data center is strategically designed to support high-density workloads, providing infrastructure for both colocation clients and custom, build-to-suit projects tailored to AI and HPC applications.

The scale and advanced engineering of DEN02 make it one of the largest data center initiatives in Denmark. Designed with sustainability in mind, DEN02 will harness Denmark’s green energy grid and leverage innovative heat reuse methods, providing residual heat for large-scale greenhouses and local housing.

AtNorth’s partnership with WARM, a local greenhouse developer, ensures that DEN02’s heat reuse plan will directly benefit the region, contributing to local food production and reducing heating costs for nearby homes.

Expected to break ground by Q1 2026, DEN02 represents a milestone in atNorth’s growth and its commitment to integrating environmental and community benefits into data center operations.

atNorth’s vision includes strong local engagement, with DEN02 bringing jobs and sustainable infrastructure, positioning Denmark as a strategic hub for AI and HPC in Northern Europe.

Read the whole interview here. 

This company is top, Equinix did its homework here before presenting this deal to CPP Investments which is now taking a controlling stake, adding to its already impressive data center platform all over the world.

Below, following a varied career starting in sales before moving up into managerial roles across the IT industry, Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson is now at the helm of atNorth, a pan-Nordic colocation, high-performance computing and artificial intelligence service provider, which soon will be present in all Nordic nations (2024).