Proxy access – the right of shareholders to nominate directors for inclusion in management’s proxy materials – has not yet been established in Canada, but may soon become the norm. While some commentators may debate whether proxy access is necessary or appropriate for Canadian companies, the process has taken hold south of the 49th parrallel, and made its presence felt in Canada. Earlier this year, both the TD Bank and RBC adopted proxy access by-laws in response to shareholder proposals, creating additional proxy access rightsfor shareholders in the nomination of directors to the boards of the banks. With the recent developments surrounding proxy access, and the U.S.’ continued influence on Canadian firms, it is expected that the U.S.-style proxy access and its policies will become inevitable for the years to come. In this LIVE Webcast, a panel of thought leaders and professionals brought together by The Knowledge Group will provide and present an in-depth analysis.

The recent years have witnessed how the nature of executive and director compensation significantly evolved due to the passing of current legislations and court decisions. This year, with the passage of H.R. 1 known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, along with the implementation of the CEO pay ratio disclosure rules, significant changes and developments are expected to shape the executive pay landscape this proxy season. With these remarkable changes, companies should review and modify their rules, procedures and policies to reflect new developments surrounding executive compensation. They should also remain vigilant of the risks and legal challenges that may arise. In this Webcast, a team of thought leaders and professionals assembled by The Knowledge Group will provide and present in depth the recent trends and developments in executive pay in the 2018 proxy season. Speakers will also address important issues and trends involving this hot topic.

Responsible Investment is defined by the UN backed PRI as the integration of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors into the selection of investments and into the ownership activities (proxy voting and engagement). First, this presentation traces the foundational investment theories underpinning portfolio selection, and shows how ESG factors can be integrated as part of the process. Second, it shows how those same ESG factors can be used when considering how to vote a proxy. It also looks at the fixed costs (time, expertise) of voting and the different incentives of investment owners and managers. Finally, it gives examples of how the proxy voting system works for retail investors and the types of issues they may be asked to vote on via shareholder proposals.

Keynote presentation to Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary's University, Halifax.

Presentation

Introductory remarks made by Ian.

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