In a world of symbolic gestures, we challenged Canada to be better. Here's how we did
Wes Hall is the founder and chairman of the BlackNorth Initiative and founder & CEO of Kingsdale Advisors & Executive Chairman & Founder of WeShall Investments. Dahabo Ahmed Omer is the CEO of the BlackNorth Initiative.
Five years ago, the world changed — and so did we.
In the wake of George Floyd's murder and a global reckoning on racial injustice, we chose to act. In July 2020, more than 500 organizations across Canada joined us to say enough is enough: enough of looking the other way, and enough of a system that too often overlooks or sidelines Black Canadians while claiming to support progress.
Opinion articles are based on the author's interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events. More details
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
28-07-2025
- Globe and Mail
Kingsdale Advisors Ranked #1 in Canada by Bloomberg and LSEG Activism League Tables, Among Top 10 Globally
Delivers 100% Win Rate for Clients in Special Situations During 2025 Proxy Season Advised Over C$22 Billion in Successful M&A Transactions Year-To-Date Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2025) - Kingsdale Advisors, North America's trusted strategic shareholder and governance advisory firm for over two decades, has been ranked the No. 1 Canadian proxy solicitor (company side) by both the Bloomberg Global Activism League Tables and the LSEG Shareholder Activism League Tables. Globally, Kingsdale ranked #9 on Bloomberg's list and #4 on LSEG's for H1 2025. During the 2025 proxy season, Kingsdale achieved a perfect track record, delivering a 100 percent win rate for clients navigating shareholder activism and other special situations. The firm also advised on more than C$22 billion in shareholder approved or completed M&A transactions year-to-date, playing a lead role in several market-shaping deals. Wes Hall, Founder and CEO of Kingsdale Advisors, who returned as CEO at the start of the 2025 proxy season, said, "This recognition reflects the strength of our talent, the trust of our clients and our unwavering commitment to delivering results when it matters most. We've stayed focused through challenges and delivered. I want to thank our clients for their vote of confidence. We are proud of what we've achieved and even more confident in where we're headed." Significant M&A transactions advised on by Kingsdale include: Parkland Corp.'s transaction with Sunoco LP MAG Silver Corp.'s acquisition by Pan American Silver Corp. MDA Space's acquisition of SatixFy Communications Ltd. National Bank of Canada's acquisition of Canadian Western Bank Gatos Silver Inc.'s merger with First Majestic Silver Corp. Payfare Inc.'s acquisition by Fiserv Inc. Kingsdale also guided multiple issuers through complex corporate actions, including activist defence, governance transitions and contested situations, ensuring strategic execution and client satisfaction throughout. This included securing noteholder approval of the CBCA Transaction to extend debt maturities and strengthen Sherritt International's capital structure, while successfully defending the issuer against shareholder activism. "Our perfect record this proxy season is a direct result of the trust placed in us by boards and CEOs during high-stakes moments," said Aaron Boles, President, Kingsdale Advisors. "Our team has once again demonstrated its strength in delivering strategic clarity, deep governance expertise and precision shareholder engagement to business leaders navigating critical decisions." Issuers who want to join Kingsdale's winning client roster or learn how the firm can assist with your strategic shareholder engagement and governance needs, please email strategy@ for a confidential consultation. About Kingsdale Advisors As the leading advisor to public companies on shareholder, governance and transaction-related matters, Kingsdale Advisors has been at the centre of many of the largest and most high-profile proxy fights, M&A transactions and special situations across North America. Headquartered in Canada, with a significant presence in the United States, the firm delivers a multidisciplinary offering spanning strategic and defensive advisory, governance advisory, compensation advisory, strategic communications, and voting analytics.
Cision Canada
21-07-2025
- Cision Canada
BlackNorth Initiative Marks 5 Years of Impact in Canada's Fight Against Systemic Anti-Black Racism
TORONTO, July 21, 2025 /CNW/ - Today marks a milestone in Canada's journey toward racial equity. The BlackNorth Initiative (BNI) celebrates five years since launching the country's largest corporate movement to dismantle systemic anti-Black racism. Since July 2020, more than 500 organizations have signed the BlackNorth Pledge—committing to bold, measurable actions that reimagine leadership, drive economic inclusion, and shift power across sectors. Five Years of Measurable Progress: 3.3% Black board representation among TSX-listed BNI signatories—up from under 1% in 2020 (DI-FSC State of Black Economics Report, 2025) Secured over $6 million in home value for 12 new homeowners—comprising 42 families members, including children—who have embarked on a journey toward generational wealth and long-term housing equity. Close to $2 million in scholarships and bursaries awarded to Black students 434 Black entrepreneurs supported through the BlackNorth B.E.G.I.N. entrepreneurship program Thousands of Black professionals and students connected to mentorships, scholarships, and job opportunities through BlackNorth Connect "This was never about optics. It has always been about transformation. About shifting power, dismantling the barriers that hold Black Canadians back, and rewriting the rules of who gets to lead and thrive. The last five years have shown that change is possible when courage meets commitment. Advancing equity is not just the right thing to do. It is smart, strategic business. Diverse companies outperform because they reflect the real world. With Pledge 2.0, we are raising the bar and calling on a new generation of leaders to match intention with action and turn promises into progress." Wes Hall, Founder and Chairman, BlackNorth Initiative "We did not start a moment. We built a movement. A movement anchored in truth, driven by community, and measured by real, lasting impact. From day one, our mission was clear: to confront systemic anti-Black racism not with platitudes, but with a new model of shared responsibility and bold action. Today, we honour the progress we have made, but we do so with clear eyes, knowing the road ahead still demands urgency, courage, and collective will. We owe it to the Black communities who entrusted us with their hopes, and to the Canada we believe is possible, to keep pushing forward with relentless resolve." Dahabo Ahmed-Omer, CEO, BlackNorth Initiative Looking Ahead: Pledge 2.0 Building on the foundation of the original pledge, Pledge 2.0 will serve as a refreshed roadmap for inclusive leadership across Canada. It introduces: Updated and measurable equity commitments Enhanced onboarding and progress reporting tools A stronger focus on accountability, with annual surveys and transparent impact tracking Designed with community consultation and stakeholder feedback, Pledge 2.0 ensures that organizations not only make commitments—but are equipped to meet them. For current signatories, this is the moment to reaffirm your role in this shared journey. For those not yet part of this movement, the time to step forward is now. The BlackNorth Initiative is on a mission to close the gaps created by systemic anti-Black racism for Black Canadians. We envision a Canada where systemic anti-Black racism no longer exists. For more information, visit: and follow us on social media @blacknorthca.
Toronto Star
17-07-2025
- Toronto Star
In a world of symbolic gestures, we challenged Canada to be better. Here's how we did
By Wes Hall and Dahabo Ahmed Omer, Contributors Wes Hall is the founder and chairman of the BlackNorth Initiative and founder & CEO of Kingsdale Advisors & Executive Chairman & Founder of WeShall Investments. Dahabo Ahmed Omer is the CEO of the BlackNorth Initiative. Five years ago, the world changed — and so did we. In the wake of George Floyd's murder and a global reckoning on racial injustice, we chose to act. In July 2020, more than 500 organizations across Canada joined us to say enough is enough: enough of looking the other way, and enough of a system that too often overlooks or sidelines Black Canadians while claiming to support progress. Opinion articles are based on the author's interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events. More details
