(Vancouver) The Supreme Court of British Columbia ruled in favor of Edward Rogers on Friday, legitimizing his decision to replace the five independent directors on the board of directors of Rogers Communications.
Judge Shelley Fitzpatrick’s ruling validates changes made against the wishes of Edward’s mother and two sisters, who are also board members and respondents in the case that pitted the family together against others.
The three women questioned Edward’s leadership, saying his choice to arbitrarily appoint his own directors violated the company’s governance practices.
Justice Fitzpatrick did not read her decision in court, saying the reasons were long and it would take hours.
Ken McEwan, an attorney for Edward Rogers, argued in court earlier this week that his client had used his authority as chairman of the firm’s control trust, which owns 97.5% voting rights.
He said in a hearing Monday that Edward Rogers also had this power under a corporate law unique to British Columbia, where the Toronto company is incorporated.