Amid the increasing global spread of COVID-19, corporations
approaching proxy season are considering alternative means for
holding their annual general meetings (AGMs). This is in an effort
to meet their legal obligations while maintaining appropriate
social distance. Recently, two large Canadian public companies,
TELUS and Enbridge, announced that their AGMs would be held
completely online. The adoption of virtual AGMs is a relatively new
concept in Canada, with only four Canadian public companies having
held virtual shareholders’ meetings to date.
In light of public health guidance urging Canadians to maintain
social distance during this pandemic and, in particular, to avoid
large gatherings, virtual meetings may present a viable and
responsible alternative to in-person meetings this proxy season.
Corporate authorities in many Canadian jurisdictions have already
considered the legal requirements regarding virtual
shareholders’ meetings. If your company is
