ASC releases 2019 update of Women on Boards data
CALGARY, Oct. 2, 2019 /CNW/ - The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) today participated in the publication of CSA Multilateral Staff Notice 58-311 Report on Fifth Staff Review of Disclosure regarding Women on Boards and in Executive Officer Positions.
In December 2016, the ASC adopted amendments to National Instrument 58-101 Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices. The amendments require non-venture reporting issuers in Alberta to provide annual disclosure in their proxy circular or annual information form about representation of women on their boards and in executive officer positions, and other related disclosure requirements.
"Investors tell us this information is important to their voting and investment decisions, and we are pleased Alberta companies are continuing to provide this disclosure to these important stakeholders," said Stan Magidson, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the ASC.
The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) fifth year review includes the disclosures from 132 TSX-listed Alberta-based companies with year ends between December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2019. Alberta trends include:
- Women hold 14 per cent of board positions in Alberta, an increase from 12 per cent in 2018 and eight per cent in 2015.1
- 70 per cent of companies have one or more women on their board, compared with 63 per cent in 2018 and 46 per cent in 2015; 58 per cent report having one or more women in executive officer positions.
- 33 per cent of board vacancies were filled by women in 2019, an increase from 25 per cent in 2017.2
- Alberta's largest companies continue to have the highest percentage of gender diversity among board members. Of the Alberta-based companies that form part of the TSX 60 Index:
- 25 per cent of board positions are held by women.
- 38 per cent of board vacancies were filled by women.
- 100 per cent have two or more women on their board, and 91 per cent report one or more women in their executive ranks.
The ASC is the regulatory agency responsible for administering the province's securities laws. It is entrusted with fostering a fair and efficient capital market in Alberta and with protecting investors. As a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the ASC works to improve, coordinate and harmonize the regulation of Canada's capital markets.
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1 The first year reported on disclosures of TSX-listed issuers with year ends between December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015.
2 The CSA began tracking this metric in 2017. Prior year results are not available.
SOURCE Alberta Securities Commission
For Media Inquiries: Curt Boechler, Senior Communications Advisor, 403.835.1263; For Investor Inquiries: ASC Public Inquiries, Toll Free 1.877.355.4488
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