What can you do if you are a shareholder of a private company in
Canada and you are at odds with the other shareholders? What if you
suspect co-shareholders are stealing from the company? Or maybe,
you are a minority shareholder and feel like the majority is taking
unfair advantage of you?
Disputes between shareholders of private companies are often
emotional and, in Ontario, can be as complicated as a personal
divorce. Further, the disruption to a small business is often
devastating. Knowing what remedies are available to resolve matters
quickly are often the key to survival.
A shareholder has the right to a proportionate vote in the
affairs of the company and to access sufficient information about
the company's affairs and financial position. Other rights may
be supported through a shareholders' agreement. Although a
majority shareholder may have the right to effectively control and
"run" the business, a minority shareholder cannot be
"oppressed". In other words,
