ACTIVISME ACTIONNARIAL ET RESPONSABILITÉ SOCIÉTALE DES ENTREPRISES AU CANADA ANALYSE DES RÉSOLUTIONS SOUMISES PAR LES ACTIONNAIRES ENTRE 2000 ET 2013

Abstract

This research analyses shareholder activism via resolutions voted between 2000 and 2013 related
to the social responsibility of companies listed on the Canadian stock exchange. The 269 cases integrated in the study highlight the importance of this phenomenon. Shareholders’ primary (but not
essentially) concerns are related to global warming and to the representation of women in higher
management positions. Institutional investors preferentially and principally target the banking sector
and risk industries. The high rate of withdrawal of proposals before the general assemblies indicates
to a certain degree the success of activists in changing companies’ positions.