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ARTICLE · 31 JULY 2017

Pursuit Of Influence: How Today's Activism Will Change Your Boardroom Dynamic

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Shareholders are looking to take an increasingly active role in governance.

CanadaLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Sharon Geraghty
Sharon Geraghty
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Shareholders are looking to take an increasingly active role in governance. Whether or not they have a literal seat at the table, they are getting closer to the boardroom than ever before. Boards of directors will have to take notice and change their practices to respond.

How are shareholders changing the game?

In recent years, we have seen shareholders put the spotlight on bad governance practices to promote better governance and better boards. Institutional shareholders, organizations like the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance (CCGG) and proxy advisers, as well as so-called "activist" shareholders, have all entered the activist ring to push for greater board independence, majority voting policies and "say on pay" votes. This rise in engagement shows no sign of abating. Indeed, shareholders are becoming more focused in their interventions, and looking for more direct and specific influence on boards.

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