CGI Inc. | Strengthening participation in annual general meetings, particularly among small shareholders at CGI Inc.

Status
Filed
AGM date
Proposal number
3
Resolution details
Lead filer
Mouvement d'éducation et de défense des actionnaires (MÉDAC)
Resolution ask
Adopt or amend a policy
ESG theme
  • Governance
ESG sub-theme
  • Shareholder rights
Type of vote
Shareholder proposal
Filer type
Shareholder
Company sector
Technology
Company HQ country
Canada
Resolved clause
It is proposed that the Board of Directors take the following measures to protect the Company’s governance and prevent risks associated with small shareholders’ disengagement: • Work closely with transfer agents to simplify the voting process and make it more accessible; • Modernize communications by making them clearer, more attractive, and tailored to small shareholders; • Accelerate the adoption of technological solutions (simplified electronic voting) to maximize participation.
Supporting statement
Annual general meetings (“AGMs”) are an essential pillar of public companies’ governance. They allow shareholders to exercise their right to oversight, question management, and influence a company’s general direction. However, the gradual decline in participation, particularly among small shareholders, jeopardizes this fundamental democratic exercise.

If left unaddressed, this disengagement undermines the legitimacy of decisions made at AGMs and hinders effective governance. A concrete example: The case of Transat A.T. Inc. In April 2024, Transat A.T. Inc., a well-known travel company, had to postpone its annual meeting due to quorum not being met. This widely publicized event demonstrates that insufficient participation can lead to delays in key decisions, affect the company's credibility and create uncertainty among stakeholders and the market. The Transat example reminds us that the vitality of general meetings can never be taken for granted. Protecting active shareholder participation means preserving the legitimacy, effectiveness, and transparency of corporate governance.

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