What percentage constitutes a material interest in a corporation's capital stock?

• A. 3%
• B. 1%
• C. 5%
• D. 10%

Answer: (C)

Material interest refers to an ownership stake in a corporation that could influence decisions related to a real estate transaction. In Manitoba real estate practice, the threshold used to define a material interest in the capital stock of a corporation is 5%. Owning 5% or more of the outstanding shares is enough to potentially affect outcomes or create a conflict of interest, which is why this level triggers disclosure requirements and careful handling in the transaction. Smaller stakes (like 1% or 3%) are not treated as material under this standard, and a higher threshold (such as 10%) would be stricter than the typical rule. Therefore, 5% is the correct benchmark for a material interest.