IR Leader
March 14, 2023

Top Stories

Canadian Securities Regulators Remind Capital Market Participants of Upcoming Deadline as they Prepare to Transition to SEDAR+

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) is launching SEDAR+ on June 13, 2023. SEDAR+ is the new, web-based application for all capital market participants to file, disclose and search for public documents and information filed by issuers in Canada in accordance with applicable securities legislation.

| View Original |

Strike First

Companies are showing a greater willingness to fight back against activist investors—and in many cases they are winning.

| View Original |

Seven Key Takeaways from the IFRS Sustainability Symposium

On 17 February, more than 1,000 people from 45 countries convened in Montreal and online to discuss what’s next for investor-focused sustainability disclosure. Onsite in Montreal, the room was abuzz as businesses, investors, policymakers, regulators and other stakeholders engaged in meaningful discussion about the forthcoming standards from the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).

| View Original |

Women in the Boardroom Tied to Credit Quality

Moody’s finds companies with more diverse boards tend to have higher credit ratings.

| View Original |

From Credible Data to Leading Strategy – Innovative Examples of Strategic Sustainability Reporting

In our accompanying article, we describe how companies can move beyond a compliance-led approach, to craft sustainability reporting that sets their business strategy firmly within its sustainability context.

| View Original |

Shareholder Activism in Canada: The Legal Framework

Shareholder activism is now firmly entrenched in the Canadian corporate landscape, and Canada has proven fertile ground for dissidents. This guide provides a brief overview of key tactics and related legal considerations fundamental to shareholder activism in Canada.

| View Original |

TSX Formalizes Policy on Voting Agreements

The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) provides guidance on “Voting Agreements” between a listed issuer and one or more of its security holders.

| View Original |

Public Company Directors and ESG Disclosure Requirements

In recent years, boards of directors of reporting issuers are becoming increasingly aware of the ESG disclosure requirements imposed by regulators. Within the current landscape, Canadian companies must work to balance their operational needs with environmentally and socially responsible practices to avoid issues and generate value for organizational stakeholders. Given that effective management of ESG issues engages numerous laws, regulations and recommendations, this article will provide a brief overview of some notable ESG-specific securities law requirements and best practices that directors should consider when deciding upon board composition, training and sustainable corporate governance.

| View Original |

Guest Post: Balancing the Bottom Line with the Green Line

Companies have important roles to play in not only enabling a people-led, tech-powered society but also decreasing the impact on the environment – in fact, 91% of business leaders believe their company has a responsibility to act on ESG issues. More than a third (and growing) of the world’s largest public companies have pledged to reach net zero by 2050. With commitments on the record, companies need to be transparent with their stakeholders about their goals, achievements, and progress which can enhance long-term value and help build trust.

| View Original |

10 Vital Roles for CFOs

To ascend to (and remain in) the office of CFO and be great at the job, you will have to master these responsibilities.

| View Original |

2023 Annual Reporting and Proxy Season – Key Areas of Focus

Reporting issuers in Canada are subject to governance standards and continuous disclosure obligations under securities laws and stock exchange rules. This Update discusses relevant governance and disclosure rule updates and related guidance for the upcoming 2023 annual reporting and proxy season, including with respect to continuous disclosure, board diversity, executive pay and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.

| View Original |

B.C. Marketing Company, CEO and Issuer Violated Securities Act with Investor Relations Activities, BCSC Panel Rules

A B.C. marketing company and its CEO repeatedly violated the Securities Act by not adequately disclosing that it distributed paid promotional material on behalf of five issuers, a B.C. Securities Commission (BCSC) panel has ruled.

| View Original |