Kingsdale Advisors, ranked Canada's #1 proxy solicitor for company-side engagements by Bloomberg and LSEG (FY 2025), has released its "Early Insights: 2026 Proxy Season (Canada)" report highlighting a fundamental shift in the proxy landscape, where rising shareholder activism is increasing pressure on boards to demonstrate effective governance and engagement.
Wes Hall, Founder and CEO, Kingsdale Advisors, said, "Retail participation is shaping governance outcomes, and boards are being judged on whether their engagement and meeting practices reflect how shareholders actually participate. Boards that have not adapted remain at risk as activism rises. Reactive governance has no place in today's world. Boards need to adopt an activist mindset and identify their own vulnerabilities before others do it for them. The question is no longer whether your board will face pressure. It is whether you are ready for it."
Read the Press Release
Latest Insights
Modernizing Take-Over Bid Rules Without Losing Market Flexibility
The Canadian Securities Administrators closed a 90-day consultation period earlier this month on proposed amendments to Canada’s issuer bid, take-over bid and beneficial ownership reporting regimes. Investors need decision-useful information, while market participants need the flexibility to engage, adapt and execute effectively.
Upcoming Event | Governance on the Move: Shareholder Engagement in a New Era
On September 23, 2026, Kingsdale Advisors is hosting an in-person event in Toronto, where senior leaders from the Ontario Securities Commission, Glass Lewis, and Canadian Coalition for Good Governance will share latest industry insights. Register your interest to attend.
Kingsdale's Victor Li Talks Insider-Led Activism with Diligent
Our EVP of Governance Advisory, Shengjun (Victor) Li, CFA, ESG, HRCCC Li, spoke with Diligent's Simon Roughneen about the rise in activist campaigns, along with insights from the 2026 proxy season.
When The Stakes Are Highest, Business Leaders Choose Kingsdale
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
* Source: Bloomberg Global Shareholder Activism League Tables FY2025 and LSEG Global Shareholder Activism Review FY2025.
#2025 and 2026 indicate proxy seasons: July 2024 to June 2026.