Similarly, the Supreme Court in BCE held that directors have a fiduciary duty to the corporation “and only to the corporation.” Where the interests of the corporation and particular stakeholders do not coincide, “it is important to be clear that the directors owe their duty to the corporation, not to stakeholders, and …
Who does a director owe such fiduciary duties to?
Under the Companies Act, a director owes fiduciary duties to the company in which they hold office, and must not act in a manner which breaches those duties.
Held: the duty of care of a director is to the company itself, and not to the interests of particular shareholders.
Although a shareholder may be part owner of a corporation, he generally has no control over the day-to-day management of the corporation. The board of the directors and the officers have direct control over the corporation, and therefore they owe fiduciary duties to the owners, who are the shareholders.
It is a director’s job to guide, monitor and oversee all aspects of the company so as to ensure he or she acts in the best interest of the company. The fiduciary duty owed by a director to a shareholder is qualified and subject to the duty owed to the company, if there is a conflict.
A corporate shareholder can sue a corporation’s officers or board of directors either through a direct lawsuit or indirectly through a derivative lawsuit.
Fiduciary Duty of Loyalty
Officers and directors owe a duty of loyalty to a corporation and its shareholders. They are expected to put the welfare and best interests of the corporation above their own personal or other business interests.
How do you prove breach of fiduciary duty?
Winning a Breach of Fiduciary Duty Complaint
The plaintiff must prove that the defendant failed their duty by withholding pertinent information, by misappropriating funds, abusing their position of influence, failing in their responsibilities or misrepresenting the statement of fact.
What powers do company directors have?
Powers conferred by statute
- the power to bind the company with third parties acting in good faith.
- the power to call general meetings.
- the power to provide for employees on cessation or transfer of business.
- the power to allot shares, and.
What are the personal obligations of directors by law?
What are the legal obligations of directors?
- Act honestly and carefully;
- Know what the company is doing;
- Take care when handling other people’s money;
- Make sure the company can pay its debts;
- Ensure that proper fi nancial records are kept;
- Act in the company’s best interests;
What action can be taken against a director?
Injunctive relief. A company may also bring a claim against a director to prevent them carrying out a breach or continuing to breach their duties, known as an injunction. Rescission of a contract. If a director signs a contract that is contrary to the company’s intentions, this can be reversed.
Company meetings
Your company’s board of directors is responsible for calling meetings of shareholders as required by the Companies Act and your company’s own constitution, if it has one.
Is a director personally liable for breach of fiduciary duty in the company?
[4] A director, particularly non-executive directors who are not deeply involved or knowledgeable of the business of a company will still be held personally liable as they are expected to take reasonable care in executing their duties which involves obtaining the relevant information to make their independent judgment …