Description: Following a 2010 US Supreme Court decision, Canadian companies have joined with their US counterparts, directing funds towards lobbying and political financing. Large organizations such as Power Corp, RBC, Encana and Barrick Gold have entered the field. The Shareholders Association for Research & Education (SHARE) has raised some serious questions of accountability regarding this political spending.

Source: Globe and Mail.com

Date: October 29,2014

Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/international-business/how-canadian-corporations-are-tipping-the-scales-in-us-politics/article21357759/

Points for Discussion:

1) Do you think this type of political spending is a good strategy for Canadian companies doing business in the United States?

2) What is your opinion of the issues raised by SHARE?

3) What role could accountants play in addressing some of the accountability and reporting issues raised by SHARE?