Stephen Tross: "We want to show we are as socially responsible as we say we are”

On Wednesday, May 6, Stephen Tross, Board Member and Managing Director International Investment, joined a panel of the Canadian Real Estate Forums to discuss the impact of Covid-19 and how institutional investors are responding to the pandemic. Speaking alongside directors from Union Investment, BNP Paribas, Baring Private Equity Asia and Manulife Investment Management, Stephen’s participation was aimed at raising Bouwinvest’s profile with Canadian pension funds.

During the discussion, Stephen talked about Bouwinvest's long-term strategy and the company’s strong basis in the markets in which we operate. “Of course, we are cautious,” he said. “For now, our focus is on portfolio management as well as client and occupier communication, but we continue to look at opportunities in the regions where we invest.”

Stephen also spoke about the importance of acting responsibly, especially in a crisis like this, saying we want to demonstrate our social credentials and show that we are the long-term investor that we always say we are. "Our clients support the special measures we have put in place for occupiers, such as rent deferrals.” All the more so because most of our tenants are paying their rent and cash flow is therefore quite stable, he added. “We are a big investor in rental housing, and we are seeing that the vast majority of our tenants continue to pay the rent.”

 You can watch the full webcast here.