CSA to launch diversity consultations

By James Langton | May 19, 2021 | Last updated on May 19, 2021
1 min read
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With growing calls for improved diversity in corporate Canada, securities regulators are consultating on diversity on corporate boards and in executive suites.

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) said Wednesday that they’ll engage in research and consultations with issuers, investors and others on “broader diversity” among corporate directors and executive officers.

“This work will help determine whether, and how, the disclosure needs of Canadian investors, and corporate governance practices among public companies have evolved since the ‘women on boards’ disclosure requirements were first adopted in most CSA jurisdictions,” the regulators said in a release.

The results of these efforts will feed into future policy-making by the regulators, such as possible changes to current disclosure requirements.

“In the past six years, the CSA has published comprehensive and relevant information on the representation of women on boards and representation at the executive level,” said Louis Morisset, chair of the CSA and president and CEO of the Autorité des marchés financiers. “Consultation and engagement with stakeholders will help determine the right path forward with respect to a broader diversity initiative.”

The planned consultations, which will include roundtables and meetings by various regulators, will begin in the late spring or early summer, the CSA said.

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James Langton

James is a senior reporter for Advisor.ca and its sister publication, Investment Executive. He has been reporting on regulation, securities law, industry news and more since 1994.