Governance Objectives
Create a culture that values diversity (in all aspects), equity and inclusion and promotes respect and equal opportunities for all.
Provide the tools and resources and strive to ensure the well-being and safety of all employees, tenants and visitors of our properties.
Support charitable organizations and initiatives and be an active member of the communities in which we operate, with a goal of having a lasting positive impact.
Create and foster an environment that values and encourages engagement with all stakeholders.
Composition of The Board of Trustees
Artis's Board has three committees: (i) the Audit Committee; (ii) the Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee; and (iii) the Investment Committee. The Chair of the Board and each committee of the Board are independent Trustees
The Board is comprised of highly qualified Trustees with extensive experience and knowledge. All of the Trustees are seasoned business executives, directors or professionals with considerable amounts of experience.
The Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee continually monitors the composition of the Board to ensure Trustees collectively possess all of the necessary skills to enable the Board to fulfill its duties.
Artis provides Trustees with ongoing education and information sessions to ensure that they remain current with respect to the business and operations of Artis, including Artis's financial condition and other matters related to the success of Artis and the implementation of Artis's primary objectives and strategies.
To facilitate Trustees' participation in continuing education events and to encourage Trustees to seek opportunities for education that will enhance their skills, Artis has an education reimbursement program which provides each Trustee with an annual education allowance of $3,500.
Artis's Trustees possess the following skills:
ESG Governance Structure
ESG Governance & Transparency
Accountability and Oversight
Artis's commitment to ESG is dependent on strong, trustworthy and transparent oversight.
Board of Trustees
Artis's Board of Trustees is responsible for the oversight of the REIT's ESG program, and the management of risks related to ESG matters. More particularly, the Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee is responsible for, and reports to the Board regarding the following
Recommending and executing the general strategy relating to ESG matters;
Reviewing and making recommendations to the Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee of the Board with respect to the REIT’s reporting standards in relation to ESG matters;
Preparing information related to communication with employees, investors and stakeholders, as required, with respect to ESG matters
Overseeing the REIT’s approach to social, community and sustainability initiatives including the charitable giving strategy of the REIT.
Developing, implementing and monitoring initiatives and policies based on the REIT’s ESG strategy, including policies related to operational controls of environmental, health and safety and social risks;
Reviewing and making recommendations to the Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee of the Board with respect to emergent risks related to ESG matters, including the REIT’s approach to and the risks associated with environmental and climate, health and safety and social matters;
Monitoring and assessing developments relating to and improving the REIT’s understanding of ESG matters; and
ESG Committee
The REIT also has an internal ESG Committee, comprising individuals from various offices and departments who share a passion for ESG. The Committee meets on a monthly basis and reports to the Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee of the Board. The meetings are highly productive and well attended by all members.
As part of the ESG Committee's Charter, the committee is responsible for:
Recommending and executing the general strategy relating to ESG matters;
Reviewing and making recommendations to the Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee of the Board with respect to the REIT’s reporting standards in relation to ESG matters;
Preparing information related to communication with employees, investors and stakeholders, as required, with respect to ESG matters
Overseeing the REIT’s approach to social, community and sustainability initiatives including the charitable giving strategy of the REIT.
Developing, implementing and monitoring initiatives and policies based on the REIT’s ESG strategy, including policies related to operational controls of environmental, health and safety and social risks;
Reviewing and making recommendations to the Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee of the Board with respect to emergent risks related to ESG matters, including the REIT’s approach to and the risks associated with environmental and climate, health and safety and social matters;
Monitoring and assessing developments relating to and improving the REIT’s understanding of ESG matters; and
Artis's management and the ESG Committee provide regular updates to the Board and the Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee with respect to all ESG matters. As part of the updates provided, management and the ESG Committee brief the Board on the progress made towards achieving ESG goals and provide information with respect to evolving industry best practices.
Transparency
Artis strives to be transparent in disclosure, providing regular comprehensive updates on performance, achievements and goals, and providing stakeholders with disclosure that is accurate and accessible to all stakeholders.
Artis maintains an extensive library of mandates, charters and governance policies on the company website. For further information regarding Artis's Environmental, Social and Governance Policy, please contact Heather Nikkel, Senior-Vice President of Investor Relations and Sustainability of the REIT at hnikkel@artisreit.com.
Cyber Security
Artis recognizes the importance of investing in, protecting and securing its infrastructure and resources and has a comprehensive information security program led by the Vice-President of Information Technology.
Artis bases its security posture on industry best practices, which includes aligning itself with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity framework. Artis's employees are an integral part of its security posture. Throughout the year, the REIT provides mandatory education and testing in order to keep employees apprised of current policies and risks and up to date on Artis's continuously evolving security awareness program.
Management of the REIT updates the Board on information security matters once per quarter and provides a comprehensive report to the Board on information security matters annually.
Artis validates its security controls by performing continuous internal information security audits throughout the year and is externally audited annually by Deloitte.
Artis has information security risk insurance and has not experienced an information security breach in the last five years.