In a recent interview with The Deal by S&P Global, Kingsdale’s EVP of Governance Advisory Victor Li shared early insights from the 2026 proxy season in Canada. Activism is on the rise, with campaigns up 28 percent year over year, M&A driven activity already exceeding last year’s totals, and governance proposals increasing by 135 percent. These trends point to a more active and complex environment for boards and management teams.
At the same time, outcomes are beginning to shift. Management teams are now slightly ahead of dissidents in wins, a reversal from last year’s results. This change reflects the impact of stronger preparation and a more proactive approach to governance. Boards that invest early in readiness and shareholder engagement are better positioned to navigate activism and achieve successful outcomes.
Read the interview
Latest Insights
In the Globe and Mail: "Average Investors Poised to Become Dissidents as Companies Face Volatile Markets"
Our CEO, Ian Robertson, spoke with the Globe about the latest strategies for engaging with shareholders and announced the launch of our new mobile app, enabling individual investors to conveniently submit their ballots using their smartphones.
Glass Lewis 2024 Proxy Voting Policy Guidelines
On November 16, Glass Lewis released its 2024 Benchmark Policy Guidelines. These guidelines will take effect for shareholder meetings scheduled on or after January 1, 2024.
Glass Lewis Publishes Results of Client Policy Survey 2023
On November 9, Glass Lewis released the results of its inaugural Client Policy Survey that it conducted in summer with market participants to inform its annual benchmark voting policy guidelines update.
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.