Most Canadian shareholders believe that in pursuit of profits Canadian corporations must take into account their responsibilities for human rights, the environment, their employees and local communities, according to a new poll conducted by Vector Research.

The poll indicates that 74% of shareholders say business executives should expand their responsibilities to embrace a broader social ethic. Over half (54%) say they would be willing to invest in companies with a positive record on social responsibility even if it means lower financial benefits to themselves.

Wealthy shareholders (59%) say they prefer pension funds with investments in socially responsible companies instead of those that seek only the highest returns.

“As globalization increases corporate influence, Canadians believe corporations should be socially accountable for their actions,” said Avie Bennett, chair of McClelland and Stewart and co-chair of the Canadian Democracy and Corporate Accountability Commission.

His co-chair, Ed Broadbent, former leader of the federal NDP, noted, “Canadians clearly want their companies to succeed, but they also want them to respect rights and the environment.”

The commission will release its final report and recommendations in Ottawa at the end of the month.

The poll is based on phone interviews conducted from September 28th through October 8th, 2001 with 2006 adults throughout the country. The margin of error is 2.2%, nineteen times out of twenty.