COVID-19 And Annual Shareholder Meetings

As a result of measures designed to limit the spread of COVID-19, Canadian public companies are reconsidering typical approaches to annual meetings of shareholders. Many public companies are deciding to hold virtual or hybrid meetings this year. And some public companies are delaying previously-called meetings to permit electronic participation.

What Are Virtual and Hybrid Meetings?

A virtual meeting is held entirely through electronic means, without any in-person participation or physical meeting location.

Hybrid meetings have a meeting location and permit in-person attendance, but also permit shareholders and proxyholders to participate electronically.

Given current restrictions on air travel and social distancing guidance discouraging large public meetings, a virtual or hybrid meeting may be the only means to facilitate shareholder and proxyholder participation in annual meetings this year.