Glancing Back Before Moving Full Steam Ahead
CIRI's fall programming is now underway and the line-up of programs for the remainder of 2013 is exciting. But before we jump into the new fall programming, let's take a look at what we've accomplished so far. Here are the highlights.
We Garnered Results on our Advocacy Efforts for Equal Access to SEDAR Filings
We made progress on advocacy efforts with the CSA to gain equal access for all stakeholders to information filed by publicly traded companies on SEDAR. As of April 16, 2013 all market participants have equal, timely access to company filings on SEDAR.com.
We Advocated and Raised Awareness for a Reduced Early Warning Reporting Threshold
We made a submission in response to the CSA Notice and Request for Comment, recommending that the threshold should be reduced to 5% from 10% and that additional disclosure be made for incremental increases and decreases in ownership of 1%. We also called on you, our members, to support this initiative with a letter to the CSA from your own organizations. In addition, we have increased awareness for this issue through media interviews with The Globe and Mail and Les Affaires.
We Issued Four Comment Papers and 10 IR Backgrounders/IR Briefs
The Issues Committee submitted three comment papers in response to proposed regulatory changes (supporting a reduction in early warning reporting threshold, majority voting and the regulation of proxy advisory firms), submitted a comment paper to the International Integrated Reporting Council’s proposed <IR> Framework and issued 10 IR Backgrounders/IR Briefs (on advance notice by-laws, majority voting, integrated reporting, notice-and-access, ongoing governance and disclosure requirements for venture issuers, dark pools, emerging markets and prospectus offerings).
We Delivered 48 Professional Development Events
Between National and the Chapters, we hosted 48 professional development events, all aimed at keeping our members up-to-date on the changing role of investor relations and the evolving capital markets.
We Virtualized CIRI Professional Development
We virtualized CIRI National and Chapter events, making professional development available in-person and through live and archived webcasts. This means all members have the ability to participate in any CIRI event that is taking place across Canada, at any time.
We Recognized the First Certified Professionals in Investor Relations (CPIRs)
With the successful completion of the first CIRI/Ivey Investor Relations Certification Program and the certification exam that followed, 21 students were awarded the CPIR designation. Subsequently, the 2012-2013 program has been completed and those graduates will be recognized later in the fall.
We Released CIRI’s 2012 Investor Relations Compensation and Responsibilities Survey
We had 230 individuals, including 51% of CIRI’s corporate members, complete CIRI’s 2012 Investor Relations Compensation and Responsibilities Survey, which was published in the summer of 2012. All participants received a complimentary copy of the publication.
We Released CIRI’s Guide to Developing an IR Program
This publication went through an intense review and has been updated from the 2nd edition released in 2005 to reflect the current regulatory environment and the evolving IR practices and communications channels. All members received a complimentary print or electronic copy.
So What’s Next?
We will continue to advocate for a lower early warning reporting threshold and share our views on shareholder democracy and integrated reporting. As other IR-relevant issues arise, we will ensure that our members are informed and, if appropriate, we will take a position.
We will be launching a research initiative, which, with the participation of members, will identify investor relations best practices and trends.
We will be checking in with you, our members, through CIRI’s Member Needs Survey to see how you think we’re doing and hear what other member offerings you would find valuable.
And as always, we will provide relevant learning opportunities for investor relations
professionals at all levels through our robust fall schedule of
professional development events at both the Chapter and National levels. Watch CIRI.org and your email for details on programming, as it becomes available.