Upcoming events

Switch to Calendar View

• Governance Professionals of Canada Education Program (GPC-EP)

  • Start
    01 Jan 2021
  • End
    01 Jan 2023
  • Location
    Check Specific Module delivery location

  Register

  The GPC-EP delivers critical and relevant content for governance professionals in a condensed, rigorous program with key speakers from across Canada. It consists of three 2.5 day Course that are each at least offered twice a year, enabling busy professionals to complete the modules in a schedule that works for them.

  It is designed for anyone operating in a governance role, whether in public, private, not-for-profit or governmental organizations. Individuals new to these roles as well as seasoned professionals will find benefit in the GPC.D as it will not only provide them with the latest best practices, skills and tools in governance, but will enhance standard of their profession.

  Registration Fee:
  

  • GPC member price: $7,550 + HST
    
  • Non Member price: $8,250 + HST (includes the cost of a ONE YEAR GPC membership and processing fee)

  Please note that GPC members will be given priority on first come, first served basis.

  You may register for any of the courses as a standalone for professional development learning opportunity, or you can choose to explore the complete series to earn your Governance Professionals of Canada Designation: GPC.D.

  Read More!
  

  Show details
• 23rd Annual Corporate Governance Conference

  • Start
    17 Aug 2021
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    31 Dec 2021
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual - Event

  Register

  GPC’s 23rd Annual Corporate Governance Conference

  21st Century Governance: Forging the Path Ahead will take place ‘virtually’ on August 17-18, 2021

  Take a look at the Agenda and content you have to look forward to HERE

  Our event will once again be using an innovative and interactive virtual platform which simulates a physical event with stunning virtual interactive spaces! The unique and simple navigation will make you feel like you are practically there in the flesh and great networking options will help you connect with other participants.
  
  We will also be hosting our regular annual tradeshow within our virtual space with customized exhibitor booths, on-demand content and demos, and live chat forums for optimal sponsor engagement!
  
  Don’t miss all the action and content packed sessions!...
  
  Event Replay
  
  Back by popular demand: All registrants will have access to the conference portal for an entire month after the conference, to revisit and catch up with any of the sessions you missed.
  
  WHY ATTEND?
  

  • We have a first-class agenda with top issues and subject matter experts in governance
  • Our attendees will have the ability to connect at the event through rich interactive tools such as audio/video/chat rooms, polls, webinars, and videos in an immersive environment to get the conversation going!
  • Our event will simulate a physical environment with spectacular virtual & interactive spaces
  • We will enable you to navigate the venue with ease in a stimulating environment that is mobile friendly and highly interactive.
  • We will be able to reach a wider audience through our innovative virtual conference platform
  • Registrants have the option to not only attend in real-time, but also access all sessions and exhibitors after the fact, so you won’t miss any sessions and can watch when it is convenient for you.

  Read More
  

  
  

  23rd Conference Presenting Sponsor and Official Partner of GPC:

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  GPC National Partner and Conference Sponsor:

  

  
  

  GPC National Supporter Partner and Conference Sponsor:

  

  
  

  GPC Media Partner and Conference Sponsor:

  

  GPC Distribution Partner:

  

  
  

  Conference Sponsors:

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  
  

  

  
  

  

  
  

  

  
  

  

  
  

  Conference Contributor:

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Communicating Bad News at Work, and Doing it Well

  • When
    28 Sep 2021
  •  
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Webinar (EDT)

  Register

  GPC, in partnership with the University of Guelph, presents this relevant and timely training for governance professionals. This program was developed by the University of Guelph.

  Take the training and then take the challenge. Put your skills into action and earn a digital credential from the University of Guelph.

  This unique learning experience led by a University of Guelph expert, offers a targeted interactive training session followed up with a skill recognition opportunity to earn a digital credential.

  Session Description

  Learn how to effectively deliver bad news at work while still maintaining positive relationships with directors and leaders, mitigating reputational risk and litigation. This professional development session aims to help you safeguard professional relationships and improve this critical skill for governance professionals and leaders.

  In this one-day program, you will learn how to effectively frame, and deliver bad news in the workplace, and to manage post-delivery outcomes. You will explore topics and activities that are directly applicable to your unique role between leadership and board.

  Upon successful completion of both components of the training (virtual training sessions and Skills-Based Assessment), you will earn a digital badge in Communicating Bad News at Work.

  Learning Outcomes

  By the end of the training, you should be able to:

  1.    Dissect the communication process to develop a blueprint on how to effectively communicate bad news in a variety of contexts and situations;
  2.    Apply techniques to effectively conduct bad news meetings;
  3.    Use verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to favourably impact recipient perceptions of blame assignment, fairness, justice, equity, level of event negativity, legitimacy, accountability, and mistrust in management and board;
  4.    Recognize and avoid contextual factors that can deviate from the primary message;
  5.    Evaluate the limitations of your role to be able to work within them, and;
  6.    Practice methods to bypass or mitigate challenges.
  

  Intended Audience

  Designed for those governance professionals in such positions as Corporate Secretary, Corporate and General Counsel, Manager Corporate Governance, VP/Director/Officer Compliance, Risk, Legal or Regulatory Affairs, Associate/Assistant Corporate Secretary and Board Administrator. This program is also crucial if you are a, CEO, CFO, Board Chair, Director or Committee Chair.

  Program Agenda

  ·      The Role of the Change Agent
  ·      Preparing for the Communication
  ·      Delivering the Message
  ·      Post-Communication Concerns

  Delivery Format

  Part 1: Training Session

  The training session will be delivered virtually over 7 hours (with two 15-minute breaks and a lunch break). Sessions will include lectures and interactive small and large group activities and discussions to promote practice and reflection.

  Part 2: Skills-Based Assessment

  Once you have taken the training, enroll in the Skills-Based Assessment. The Assessment is an extension of your learning where you can showcase your skills and earn digital credential from the University of Guelph. Evidence of skill attainment is demonstrated through a portfolio or scenario-based evaluation and includes completion of a reflective video or written component. Participants who successfully pass the assessment will earn a digital badge that can be shared on your social media networks and with your employer. The assessment will require approximately 8-12 hours of effort to complete.

  Information on how to enroll to take the Skills-Based Assessment will be provided to you at the completion of the training component.

  The skills-based assessment is included in the training price and is offered through Open Learning and Educational Support at the University of Guelph.

  
  

  

  Dr. Nita Chhinzer
  Associate Professor of Human Resources and Business Consulting,

  Department of Management, University of Guelph

  (Please click on the speaker's name to see their biography.)

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Strategic Governance - Two and Half day Course

  • Start
    01 Oct 2021
  •  
    10:30 AM
  • End
    03 Oct 2021
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • Location
    ONLINE
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Day 1

  Risk and the Governance Professional

  The purpose of the session is to provide the introductory basics, with selected corresponding tools, to introduce the Governance Professional to two key elements of Risk Management:

  • Enterprise Risk Management- An introduction to the “Mechanics of ERM”
  • Commercial Insurance to protect the Organization and its Directors & Officers

   The role of the Governance Professional in Board Strategy

  • Governing Principles
  • Best Practices
  • Practical Tools
  • Implementation Skills

  Day 2
  

  Sustainability, ESG, Corporate Purpose, and the Role of the Board

  • Governing Principles
  • Best Practices
  • Practical Tools
  • Implementation Skill

  Advanced Financial Fundamentals

  • Governing Principles
  • Best Practices
  • Practical Tools
  • Implementation Skills 
    

  Day 3

  Ethics
  

  • Governing Principles
  • Best Practices
  • Practical Tools
  • Implementation Skills 

  Cancellation and Refund Policy:

  If canceling the program in its entirety outside of 2 months prior to taking your first course, the program fee will be refunded with a cancellation penalty of $500. If canceling the program within 3 weeks of taking your first course, the program fee will be refunded with a cancellation penalty of $1,000. If cancellation occurs during or after the first module has been started, there will be no further refunds. Companies or individuals may transfer their registration to another individual only if cancellation occurs prior to taking the first course only or individuals may be able to transfer their registration to another individual only if cancellation occurs prior to taking the first of the 3 courses only. All cancellations or transfer requests must be received by email to education@gpcanada.org.

  Show details
• Board, Committee and Director Assessments

  • When
    18 Oct 2021
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Webinar (EDT)

  Register

  Are you interested in bringing a group to attend this session? Contact events@gpcanada.org for details on group discounts.

  Are your board and director evaluation processes a little tired and need a re-energized approach?
  

  This session is designed to give new life to this critical governance practice, in order to ensure that your governance processes and practices are effective. This session will get you off to the right start.
  Reflecting on decades of hands-on experience and success with clients across sectors, John Dinner will provide behind the scenes insights into how to generate real value from your board and director assessments in ways that have direct impact back in the boardroom.
  
  This session will cover:
  

  • evaluation process design options
  • how to best engage board members in the relatively safe exercise of full board assessments,
  • how to ensure your individual director assessment process is well received and produces constructive outcomes..

  March 2020 Cancellation Policy

  Speaker

  

  John Dinner
  President, John T. Dinner Board Governance Services

  (Click on the speaker's name to see his biography.)

  Show details
• Top Tips for New CEOs to Engage Effectively With Their Board

  • When
    20 Oct 2021
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Webcast (EST)

  Register

  
  

  
  

  Are you interested in bringing a group to attend this session? Contact events@gpcanada.org for details on group discounts.

  Whether as an internal or external appointment, a new CEO has much to attend to in their first 90 days. A critical first step is to forge a strong relationship with the board of directors, and set the tone for engagement with the management team. With CEO's spending a full quarter of their total capacity on board engagement, getting this right early paves the way for a smooth partnership in the years to come. 

   

  Striking the right balance in board engagement is complex for any CEO. Board directors can become wary of a CEO that does not engage them deeply enough, and CEOs can feel their leadership is undermined if board members dig too far into operating details.

   

  As a governance professional, you are in the perfect position to add value for the board and the management team by supporting a new CEO to define and implement an effective board engagement strategy.

  
  

  Topics Covered:

  • Key success factors for facilitating a new CEO-Board relationship
  • Supporting an effective board strategy engagement plan
  • Navigating and reducing the risk of decision-making bias

   

  Who Should Attend:

  • Governance professionals supporting new CEOs, or supporting a CEO transition
  • Board members involved in CEO succession planning
  • New CEOs who are interested in equipping themselves for their new role at the helm of an organization

  
  

  March 2020 Cancellation Policy

  Speaker

  

  Kim Stangeby
  Senior Advisor, Strategy and Board Effectiveness, Kingston Road

  (Click on the speaker's name to see her biography.)

  Show details
• Compassionate Leadership: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

  • When
    27 Oct 2021
  •  
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Webinar (EDT)

  Register

  GPC, in partnership with the University of Guelph, presents this relevant and timely training for governance professionals. This program was developed by the University of Guelph.

  Take the training and then take the challenge. Put your skills into action and earn a digital credential from the University of Guelph.

  This unique learning experience led by a University of Guelph expert, offers a targeted interactive training session followed up with a skill recognition opportunity to earn a digital credential.

  Session Description

  In your unique position as a governance professional and leader, you continuously influence the work environment and culture of your board and your organization. But do you do this consciously or do you often find yourself on auto-pilot? Increase your day-to-day impact at work and contribute to the success of your workplace and your board as a compassionate leader. Imagine the creative possibilities if you could strategically foster conditions where board members and others in your workplace thrive, even in challenging times.

  Compassionate leadership focuses on supporting people and enables you to successfully navigate challenging situations. In turn, this builds trust and enhances creativity, agility, and productivity in your workplace. In this session, you will explore the foundations and four key aspects of compassionate leadership, based on cutting-edge research in fields of neuroscience and positive psychology. You will also be equipped with skills and strategies to implement compassionate leadership.
  
  Upon successful completion of both components of the training (virtual training session and independent online assessment), you will earn a digital badge in Compassionate Leadership.

  
  Learning Outcomes
  By the end of the training, you should be able to:

  1. Identify and draw on your feelings when interacting with others, to build connections and demonstrate caring;
  2. Practice self-care and recognize how this is related to your ability to care for others;
  3. Recognize how your behaviour can activate particular neurologically-based responses in others, and vice-versa;
  4. Identify the key components of compassionate leadership and how to build a compassionate leadership practice;
  5. Attune to yourself, your environment, and people around you;
  6. Become aware of your own emotional triggers and patterns of judgment and how they impact your interactions with others;
  7. Apply a strategy of generosity to your interpretations of your environment and the behaviours of others;
  8. Identify the emotions you observe in yourself and others within your environment; and
  9. Identity and act to alleviate the social suffering of others around you, without taking that suffering onto yourself.

  Intended Audience
  Designed for those governance professionals in such positions as Corporate Secretary, Corporate and General Counsel, Manager Corporate Governance, VP/Director/Officer Compliance, Risk, Legal or Regulatory Affairs, Associate/Assistant Corporate Secretary and Board Administrator. This program is also crucial if you are a, CEO, CFO, Board Chair, Director or Committee Chair.

  Program Agenda
  Compassion and Compassionate Leadership
  • Defining Compassion
  • Exploring Self-Compassion
  • The Science of Compassion
  • Making the Case for Compassionate Leadership
  
  The Four Components of Compassion
  • Noticing
  • Interpreting Generously
  • Feeling Empathy and Concern
  • Acting to Alleviate Suffering
  
  

  Delivery Format
  Part 1: Training Session
  The training session will be delivered virtually, over 7 hours (with two 15-minute breaks and a lunch break). Sessions will include lectures and interactive small and large group activities and discussions to promote practice and reflection
  
  Part 2: Skills-Based Assessment
  Once you have taken the training, enroll in the Skills-Based Assessment. The Assessment is an extension of your learning where you can showcase your skills and earn digital credential from the University of Guelph. Evidence of skill attainment is demonstrated through a portfolio or scenario-based evaluation and includes completion of a reflective video or written component. Participants who successfully pass the assessment will earn a digital badge that can be shared on your social media networks and with your employer. The assessment will require approximately 8-12 hours of effort to complete.

  Information on how to enroll to take the Skills-Based Assessment will be provided to you at the completion of the training component.

  The skills-based assessment is included in the training price and is offered through Open Learning and Educational Support at the University of Guelph.

  
  

  

  Linda Watt, M.A. 
  Director, Learning and Development
  University of Guelph

  (Please click on the speaker's name to see their biography.)

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Foundations of Governance - Two and Half day Course

  • Start
    29 Oct 2021
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • End
    31 Oct 2021
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    ONLINE
  • Spaces left
    15

  Register

  The Foundations of Governance Course consists of two and a half days covering key areas of governance, which include: the role of the governance professional, director management, advising the board, board dynamics, effectiveness, culture, relationships and conflicts.

  Within each of these areas, practitioners in governance will take a thorough look at central elements of practice and how to navigate difficult situations, apply best practices and important tools in the day to day running of a governance office. This course is a comprehensive view of the key foundations and practice of governance, and essential for professionals both seasoned and new to the role. 

  Program:

  Day 1 - Core of Governance and the role of the governance professional

  This session sets out the expectations and growing role and responsibilities of the Governance Professional.  It will examine the legal commonalities and differences among various kinds of organizations and how they impact oversight, strategic and operational functions.

  Participants will explore the following topics in depth:

  • What is a Governance Professional – Job description
  • The legal, regulatory and public policy basis of governance for not-for-profits, state-owned organizations, private and public corporations;
  • How the principles of accountability, transparency and independence can be practiced effectively in different organizational contexts;
  • Practical tools for developing effective governance practices under different organizational cultures
  • Legal Entities/structures (differences and similarities)
  • Duty of the corporate secretary
  • Director responsibilities, Mandate and fiduciary duties
  • Regulators and Laws
  • NFPs, Crowns, Co-ops, partnerships
  • Officers (role of CEO, Directors, CO), D&O Liability and Integrity agreements
  • Ethics, confidentiality , privacy, Conflicts of Interest, up-the-ladder reporting duties
  • Accountability, Transparency, Independence
  • Policy Management
  • Monitoring governance best practices sponsored by stakeholders

  Day 2 – Director Management – Driving Board Effectiveness throughout the Director Life Cycle

  The purpose of the session is to provide the tools for developing critical processes to enhance Board effectiveness from before directors join the Board, through their tenure and until they leave – with the objective of improving the Board’s decision-making processes

  Participants will explore the following topics in depth:

  • The legal, regulatory and best practice requirements for key director processes
  • The role of the Governance Professional in supporting and encouraging good governance practices with regard to recruiting, orienting, education, evaluating and removing directors

  Board Committees Framework

  The purpose of this session is to provide information on the tools and framework for the purpose of committees, relationship to the board, roles and responsibilities, board delegation along with committee rights and authority.

  Participants will explore the following topics in depth:

  Committee focus and work

  • Types of Committees
  • Committee mandate template
  • Committee reporting process and template
  • Structuring the Committee

  Day 3 – Soft Skills – Managing and Influencing Board Dynamics, Culture, Relationships & Conflicts

  Boardroom dynamics have a significant yet largely unrecognized impact on good governance.  The governance professional has a critical role in supporting their board in fostering a more conducive boardroom culture by mastering the required soft skills to do so.

  Faculty:

  • Janis Riven, BCL, LLB, MBA, FCIS, Acc.Dir (bio)

  • Heather Laxton, Chief Governance Officer & Corporate Secretary, Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. (bio)

  • John Dinner, President, John T. Dinner Board Governance Services (bio)

  Important Note:

  This Event is one of three courses that make up the full GPC-EP education program and which leads to the GPC.D (Governance Professionals of Canada Designation). 

  You have the option to register and attend this event without committing to the full Education program, however, you will not be eligible to the professional designation (GPC.D), unless you complete all 3 modules as well as their individual exams and the final evaluation. 
  

  Participants who are registered for the Education program (GPC-EP) will be required to write an exam after the completion of this module. 
  

  If you wish to enroll in the entire designation program to obtain the GPC.D designation (and save on the cost of the entire program), you can change your registration here: Education program on this link.

  Sponsored by:

  

  
  

  Cancellation and Refund Policy:

  If canceling the program in its entirety outside of 2 months prior to taking your first course, the program fee will be refunded with a cancellation penalty of $500. If canceling the program within 3 weeks of taking your first course, the program fee will be refunded with a cancellation penalty of $1,000. If cancellation occurs during or after the first module has been started, there will be no further refunds. Companies or individuals may transfer their registration to another individual only if cancellation occurs prior to taking the first course only or individuals may be able to transfer their registration to another individual only if cancellation occurs prior to taking the first of the 3 courses only. All cancellations or transfer requests must be received by email to education@gpcanada.org.

  .

  Show details
• 2021 Excellence in Governance Awards

  • When
    04 Nov 2021
  •  
    3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    ONLINE

  Register

  
  

  Governance Professionals of Canada and our presenting sponsor, Diligent, invite you to attend the 8th annual Excellence in Governance Awards (EGAs).

  Join us to watch the “LIVE” broadcast from the specially designed EGAs Studio on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at 3pm ET to celebrate the best-in-class governance practices in Canada.

  Though we are unable to gather in-person, GPC looks forward to hosting the Awards virtually, as this prestigious event has become the most anticipated and important annual gathering for the Canadian governance community.

  The Awards proudly gathers a plethora of top governance practitioners and subject matter experts. GPC will be honouring Canadian organizations for their dedication and contribution towards good governance in the following categories:

  • Board or Director Effectiveness
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
  • Engagement
  • Executive Compensation
  • Governance Office Matters
  • Organizational Governance
  • Risk Management
  • Strategy
  • Sustainability

  GPC will also be awarding exceptional individuals in governance in the following categories:

  • Governance Professional of the Year
  • Peter Dey Governance Achievement Award

  View this year’s shortlisted organizations HERE!

  More details on our exciting virtual Awards hub to come soon! Follow our social media pages below to stay in the know and don’t miss on the event of the year for Governance Professionals!

  Registration is complimentary – RSVP for the 8th annual EGAs NOW!

  Presenting Sponsor:

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Governance Ethics: When Absolute Right and Wrong Don’t Apply

  • When
    10 Nov 2021
  •  
    10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Webinar (EST)

  Register

  Are you interested in bringing a group to attend this session? Contact events@gpcanada.org for details on group discounts.

  As media reports on public sector financial scandals makes it very clear, ethics need to be at the heart and soul of every governance and HR decision. With the speed at which information is delivered through social media, news can quickly proliferate and, as a result, judgement can make or break a reputation in a short period of time. In time where COVID-19, diversity and equity are at the heart of every decisions, the challenge for executives is being ethical in a world where guidelines for behaviors are being consistently blurred such that absolute right and wrong no longer seem to apply.

  This session will address how executives can be ethical in a corrupt environment, and how they should frame their ethical behavior, in a way that resonates with as wide a network of ethically sensitive stakeholders as possible.

  

  Marc Tassé 
  Corporate Ethics and Financial Crimes Expert
  

  (Click on the speaker's name to see his biography.)

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Applied Governance - Two and Half day Course

  • Start
    12 Nov 2021
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • End
    14 Nov 2021
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Toronto, TBD

  Register

  Day 1

  Meeting Processes and AGMs

  The purpose of the session is to provide the tools for holding successful meetings – the ultimate decision-making process for all organizations including:

  • The legal and regulatory requirements for Board, committee and shareholder or member meetings
  • Tools and processes for organizing and holding successful and effective meetings
  • The special nature of shareholder and member meetings and best practices

  Financial Literacy for the Non-Financial Governance Professional

  The purpose of this module is to help give you an understanding of business finance, and the role of the Board, Audit Committee, Auditors and the Governance Professional in the preparation, presentation and analysis of financial information.

  Participants will develop an understanding with respect to:

  • Accounting terms and the significance and relevance of financial information
  • The budgeting process including the fundamentals of preparing and mastering budgets
  • Basic concepts underlying the preparation and presentation of financial statements
  • Controls and policies that help ensure accuracy and reliability of accounting systems

  Day 2 (Full Day)

  Minutes and Minutes Management

  The purpose of the session is to provide the tools for preparing minutes that protect the organization and its directors – with the objective of evidencing the due-diligence of the Board in its decision-making processes.

  Participants will explore the following topics in depth:

  • The legal and regulatory requirements for minutes
  • Tools and processes for implementing and maintaining effective minutes
  • Best practice minute taking, preparation and maintenance procedures
  • Records Management

  Day 3

  Carefully Crafting Bylaws to Enable Sound Governance

  In this session, the use of bylaws as an importance foundation of sound governance will be explained, including their sources of content and drafting considerations. Participants will explore the following topics in depth:

  • The direct role of bylaws in supporting many facets of governance
  • The typical topics found in bylaws and various approaches to deciding their content
  • How to research which sources of information when crafting bylaws

  
  Cancellation and Refund Policy:
  

  If canceling the program in its entirety outside of 2 months prior to taking your first course, the program fee will be refunded with a cancellation penalty of $500. If canceling the program within 3 weeks of taking your first course, the program fee will be refunded with a cancellation penalty of $1,000. If cancellation occurs during or after the first module has been started, there will be no further refunds. Companies or individuals may transfer their registration to another individual only if cancellation occurs prio

  r to taking the first course only or individuals may be able to transfer their registration to another individual only if cancellation occurs prior to taking the first of the 3 courses only. All cancellations or transfer requests must be received by email to education@gpcanada.org.

  Show details
• Governance 101: an introduction to organizational governance (Winter Session)

  • Start
    17 Nov 2021
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    18 Nov 2021
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Webinar (EST)
  • Spaces left
    17

  Register

  Are you interested in bringing a group to attend this session? Contact events@gpcanada.org for details on group discounts.

  COURSE  OVERVIEW

  This 2-day intensive workshop will be launched as a virtual course, as a pre-cursor to our GPC Education program. In this course, participants will gain basic exposure to the subject matter of governance.

  The ideal audience for this course includes the following:

  ·       Individuals who are new to their role

  ·       People with junior positions in their organizations with some governance functions

  ·       Individuals in administrative positions attending to governance processes

  ·       Boards or more senior governance professionals may also not have had a proper introduction to the subject matter

  COURSE OBJECTIVES

  The objectives of the course are as follows:

  1.      Focus on individuals who have little or no knowledge of governance but could be:  

  ·       Joining a NFP board for the first time

  ·       Executive assistant being asked to take notes at board or management meetings

  ·       In process of accepting or moving into a position related to organizational governance

  ·       Individuals wanting to position themselves for a position related to governance

  2.     Provide access to a training program that is financially accessible

  3.     Provide an intensive 2-day session that fulfills knowledge requirements in a brief time.

  4.      To be a critical component of a planned ‘Governance in a Box’ concept which will consist of the 2-day workshop, a Glossary of Terms, and an on-line tool to provide access to the documents, forms, templates and best practices needed for establishing an effective governance framework for various kinds of organizations.

  
  

  LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  1.     Understand what governance means, and how it looks the same and different for various kinds of organizations

  2.     Understand the key principles of governance: accountability, transparency, independence, participation and predictability

  3.     Learn about the different structures that underpin the governance of an organization: by-laws, board of directors, committees,

  4.     Learn about the decision-making process for organizations through meetings, resolutions, minutes, board/management relationships

  5.     Understand the nature of the organization’s relationships with various stakeholders: the difference between shareholders and members; why understanding stakeholder needs is a key governance function.

  
  

  WORKSHOP OUTLINE

  Day 1  - Understanding Governance Basics

  Morning Session

  ·       What is governance: essential terms and definitions

  ·       We ‘build’ the governance structure based on the organization’s purpose;

  ·       Structure consists of the legal entity choice – essential ‘plumbing’ in by-laws – board – committee –

  ·       5 key Governance Principles described

  ·       Breakout exercises to understand how principles get put into practice

  
  

  Afternoon Session

  ·       Strengthening structure for better decisions

  ·       By-laws

  ·       Boards

  ·       Committees

  ·       Dividing the work/responsibilities – Board and management

  ·       What do directors really do? Their duties and responsibilities

  ·       Breakout sessions: 

  1.     What are the advantages and disadvantages of a ‘big’ board? 

  2.     Why do people join boards of directors?  

  3.     Should employees always have a seat in the boardroom?

  
  

  Day 2  - The Key Tools for good governance

  Morning Session

  •       The role of the corporate secretary/governance professional

  •       Effective meetings: what, why, who and how

  •       AGMs Special meetings, board and committee meetings

  •       Key tools 

  •       Getting the right board: composition, terms, orientation

  •       And keeping it effective: training and evaluations

  
  

  Afternoon Session

  •   Meeting minutes

  ·       What are corporations are worrying about:

  ·       CSR/ESG/Triple Bottom Line/Sustainability – all explained

  ·       CEO compensation – what is the issue?

  ·       Diversity and inclusion – what is the issue?

  ·       Breakout session:  What is your organization worrying about?

  
  

  

  
  

  Janis Riven, BCL, LLB, MBA, FCIS,

  Acc. Dir., Principal

  governance & compliance solutions

  
  

  (Click on the speaker's name to see her biography.)

  
  

  Show details
• Setting the Stage for Boardroom Success

  • When
    22 Nov 2021
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Webinar

  Register

  
  

  
  

  Are you interested in bringing a group to attend this session? Contact events@gpcanada.org for details on group discounts.

  
  

  In the world of best practices and regulatory guidelines, we can easily lose sight of essential governance foundations — those touchstones we should use to construct our board, to design our governance practices and foster overall effectiveness in the boardroom.

  
  This session will equip participants with some essential concepts as well as some new perspectives that will provide needed boardroom focus and foster a more tangible contribution by directors.
  
  You will gain valuable insights and answers if you are:
  

  • Questioning your current board practices,
  • Concerned about how decisions are made about structural or process change,
  • Wondering how to help enhance your board’s performance and contribution
  • And/or wishing to increase your Board framework effectiveness

  March 2020 Cancellation Policy

  Speaker

  

  John Dinner
  President, John T. Dinner Board Governance Services

  (Click on the speaker's name to see his biography.)

  Show details
• Strategic Governance (Toronto) - Two and Half day Course

  • Start
    03 Dec 2021
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • End
    05 Dec 2021
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    ONLINE
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  Day 1

  Risk and the Governance Professional

  The purpose of the session is to provide the introductory basics, with selected corresponding tools, to introduce the Governance Professional to two key elements of Risk Management:

  • Enterprise Risk Management- An introduction to the “Mechanics of ERM”
  • Commercial Insurance to protect the Organization and its Directors & Officers

   The role of the Governance Professional in Board Strategy

  • Governing Principles
  • Best Practices
  • Practical Tools
  • Implementation Skills

  Day 2
  

  Sustainability, ESG, Corporate Purpose, and the Role of the Board

  • Governing Principles
  • Best Practices
  • Practical Tools
  • Implementation Skill

  Advanced Financial Fundamentals

  • Governing Principles
  • Best Practices
  • Practical Tools
  • Implementation Skills 
    

  Day 3

  Ethics
  

  • Governing Principles
  • Best Practices
  • Practical Tools
  • Implementation Skills 

  Cancellation and Refund Policy:

  If canceling the program in its entirety outside of 2 months prior to taking your first course, the program fee will be refunded with a cancellation penalty of $500. If canceling the program within 3 weeks of taking your first course, the program fee will be refunded with a cancellation penalty of $1,000. If cancellation occurs during or after the first module has been started, there will be no further refunds. Companies or individuals may transfer their registration to another individual only if cancellation occurs prior to taking the first course only or individuals may be able to transfer their registration to another individual only if cancellation occurs prior to taking the first of the 3 courses only. All cancellations or transfer requests must be received by email to education@gpcanada.org.

  Show details
• Meetings, Minutes and Running Effective Board Meetings

  • When
    20 Jan 2022
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Webinar (EST)

  Register

  Are you interested in bringing a group to attend this session? Contact events@gpcanada.org for details on group discounts.

  Meetings, Minutes and Running Effective Board Meetings is brought to you by Diligent. This session outlines statutory and common law rules in relation to meetings of directors, members, managed investment schemes, class meetings and meetings of creditors. This workshop provides guidance on good governance practices for the notice, planning and conduct of meetings and examines legal and regulatory requirements for procedures in relation to minutes and running effective board meetings.

  This workshop is an interactive half-day gaining insight on both the practical and legal requirements you need to be aware of when holding meetings, taking minutes, recording procedures, guiding directors, preparing resolutions and managing circumstances such as conflicts of interest.

  Topic Covered:

  • Minutes Fundamentals
  • Briefing Materials
  • Legalities; Rules & Regulations
  • Actions & Resolutions
  • In-Camera Meetings
  • ... and more

  Session Agenda

  • 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm Welcome
  • 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm Presentation (working BREAK at approximately 3:30 pm)
  • 4:30 pm - Workshop Concludes

  March 2020 Cancellation Policy

  Speaker

  

  John Dinner
  President, John T. Dinner Board Governance Services

  (Click on the speaker's name to see his biography.)

  Event Sponsor:

  

  
  

  Show details
• Emotional Intelligence for the Governance Professional

  • When
    27 Jan 2022
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Webinar (EST)

  Register

  Are you interested in bringing a group to attend this session? Contact events@gpcanada.org for details on group discounts.

  Introduction and Setting the Scene / Objectives /Agenda (1-1.10)

  Governance Professional – An evolving role and the Crucial impact of soft skills for success (1.10-1.20)

  • Going Beyond the technical in the role
  • How to effectively act as a bridge for Boards and management
  • Clarifying expectations and creating a roadmap for successful relationships
  • Navigating difficult situations

  Developing the role as an influencer and advisor (1.20-1.35)

  • Focusing on communication skills / ability to articulate ideas
  • Speaking the same language as senior management and the Board
  • Relationship building and developing your profile as a trusted advisor
  • Mediating confrontational situations or difficult people
  • Building resilience, assertiveness, and strength of character
  • Creating and fostering trust

  Breakout Session (1.35-1.50)

  • A time of 10 minutes will be allotted for discussion and 5 minutes for presenting ideas
  • In your breakout groups, consider some of the strategies you can employ in your workplace to develop your influence.

  Self-awareness and self-management (1.50 – 2.10)

  • Self-inventory – strengths and weaknesses
  • Exhibiting model behaviours
  • Growth and learning mindset
  • Organizational Awareness

  Conflict Resolution and Dealing with Difficult Board members (2.10 – 2.30)

  •  Assertiveness
  • Role as a mediator
  • Transparency and integrity

  Break for 5 minutes (2.30 – 2.35)

  • A time of 10 minutes will be allotted for discussion and 5 minutes for presenting ideas
  • In your breakout groups work on a Case Study of a difficult Board Chair – role play / discuss coping strategies

  
  

  Building Resilience (2.50 – 3.10)

  • Staying focused and motivated
  • Agility and flexibility
  • Dealing with conflicting demands in dual reporting situations

  Fostering Trust (3.10 – 3.30)

  • Ethics and difficult judgment calls
  • Confidentiality
  • Sensitivity and objectivity
  • Empowering the Board

  Group Discussion / Video (3.30 – 3.40)

  The Governance Professional as a Leader and Coach (3.40-3.55)

  • Importance of empathy and how to develop this skill
  • Active listening techniques
  • Creating a strong team through EQ
  • Role model for behaviour and values

  Summary, final thoughts and action steps (3.55-4.00)

  March 2020 Cancellation Policy

  Speaker

  
  

  Paul Dubal
  Founder, Perfect Balance Consulting

  (Please click on the name of the speaker to read his biography.)

  
  

  Show details
• Applied Governance - Two and Half day Course

  • Start
    04 Feb 2022
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • End
    06 Feb 2022
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    ONLINE
  • Spaces left
    17

  Register

  Day 1

  Meeting Processes and AGMs

  The purpose of the session is to provide the tools for holding successful meetings – the ultimate decision-making process for all organizations including:

  • The legal and regulatory requirements for Board, committee and shareholder or member meetings
  • Tools and processes for organizing and holding successful and effective meetings
  • The special nature of shareholder and member meetings and best practices

  Financial Literacy for the Non-Financial Governance Professional

  The purpose of this module is to help give you an understanding of business finance, and the role of the Board, Audit Committee, Auditors and the Governance Professional in the preparation, presentation and analysis of financial information.

  Participants will develop an understanding with respect to:

  • Accounting terms and the significance and relevance of financial information
  • The budgeting process including the fundamentals of preparing and mastering budgets
  • Basic concepts underlying the preparation and presentation of financial statements
  • Controls and policies that help ensure accuracy and reliability of accounting systems

  Day 2 (Full Day)

  Minutes and Minutes Management

  The purpose of the session is to provide the tools for preparing minutes that protect the organization and its directors – with the objective of evidencing the due-diligence of the Board in its decision-making processes.

  Participants will explore the following topics in depth:

  • The legal and regulatory requirements for minutes
  • Tools and processes for implementing and maintaining effective minutes
  • Best practice minute taking, preparation and maintenance procedures
  • Records Management

  Day 3

  Carefully Crafting Bylaws to Enable Sound Governance

  In this session, the use of bylaws as an importance foundation of sound governance will be explained, including their sources of content and drafting considerations. Participants will explore the following topics in depth:

  • The direct role of bylaws in supporting many facets of governance
  • The typical topics found in bylaws and various approaches to deciding their content
  • How to research which sources of information when crafting bylaws

  
  Cancellation and Refund Policy:
  

  If canceling the program in its entirety outside of 2 months prior to taking your first course, the program fee will be refunded with a cancellation penalty of $500. If canceling the program within 3 weeks of taking your first course, the program fee will be refunded with a cancellation penalty of $1,000. If cancellation occurs during or after the first module has been started, there will be no further refunds. Companies or individuals may transfer their registration to another individual only if cancellation occurs prio

  r to taking the first course only or individuals may be able to transfer their registration to another individual only if cancellation occurs prior to taking the first of the 3 courses only. All cancellations or transfer requests must be received by email to education@gpcanada.org.

  Show details
• Meetings, Minutes and Running Effective Board Meetings

  • When
    24 Feb 2022
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Webinar (EST)

  Register

  Are you interested in bringing a group to attend this session? Contact events@gpcanada.org for details on group discounts.

  Meetings, Minutes and Running Effective Board Meetings is brought to you by Diligent. This session outlines statutory and common law rules in relation to meetings of directors, members, managed investment schemes, class meetings and meetings of creditors. This workshop provides guidance on good governance practices for the notice, planning and conduct of meetings and examines legal and regulatory requirements for procedures in relation to minutes and running effective board meetings.

  This workshop is an interactive half-day gaining insight on both the practical and legal requirements you need to be aware of when holding meetings, taking minutes, recording procedures, guiding directors, preparing resolutions and managing circumstances such as conflicts of interest.

  Topic Covered:

  • Minutes Fundamentals
  • Briefing Materials
  • Legalities; Rules & Regulations
  • Actions & Resolutions
  • In-Camera Meetings
  • ... and more

  Session Agenda

  • 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm Welcome
  • 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm Presentation (working BREAK at approximately 3:30 pm)
  • 4:30 pm - Workshop Concludes

  March 2020 Cancellation Policy

  Speaker

  
  

  Sylvia Groves
  President, Governance Studio 

  (Please click on the name of the speaker to read her biography.)

  
  

  Event Sponsor:

  

  
  

  Show details
• Strategic Governance - Two and Half day Course

  • Start
    04 Mar 2022
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    06 Mar 2022
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Toronto, TBD
  • Spaces left
    14

  Register

  Day 1

  Risk and the Governance Professional

  The purpose of the session is to provide the introductory basics, with selected corresponding tools, to introduce the Governance Professional to two key elements of Risk Management:

  • Enterprise Risk Management- An introduction to the “Mechanics of ERM”
  • Commercial Insurance to protect the Organization and its Directors & Officers

   The role of the Governance Professional in Board Strategy

  • Governing Principles
  • Best Practices
  • Practical Tools
  • Implementation Skills

  Day 2
  

  Sustainability, ESG, Corporate Purpose, and the Role of the Board

  • Governing Principles
  • Best Practices
  • Practical Tools
  • Implementation Skill

  Advanced Financial Fundamentals

  • Governing Principles
  • Best Practices
  • Practical Tools
  • Implementation Skills 
    

  Day 3

  Ethics
  

  • Governing Principles
  • Best Practices
  • Practical Tools
  • Implementation Skills 

  Cancellation and Refund Policy:

  If canceling the program in its entirety outside of 2 months prior to taking your first course, the program fee will be refunded with a cancellation penalty of $500. If canceling the program within 3 weeks of taking your first course, the program fee will be refunded with a cancellation penalty of $1,000. If cancellation occurs during or after the first module has been started, there will be no further refunds. Companies or individuals may transfer their registration to another individual only if cancellation occurs prior to taking the first course only or individuals may be able to transfer their registration to another individual only if cancellation occurs prior to taking the first of the 3 courses only. All cancellations or transfer requests must be received by email to education@gpcanada.org.

  Show details
• The New Role of Governance Professionals: Bingegovernance and Being the Showrunner of Your Board

  • When
    23 Mar 2022
  •  
    10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Webinar (EST)

  Register

  Are you interested in bringing a group to attend this session? Contact events@gpcanada.org for details on group discounts.

  How do Netflix series makers manage to get people to watch their content for a long time? And why do governance professionals sometimes have the greatest difficulty in engaging their audience for good information and good documentation in decision-making processes?

  Bingegovernance offers a refreshing view on the future of governance and the special role of the corporate secretary. In these training sessions we take the governance professional to the place where content is the product and where they know how to build an audience and how to bind and captivate them: Hollywood.

  We teach the professional how to organize the regular meeting cycle like rock-solid television series, where every meeting is an episode for the board. With bingegovernance you ensure committed board members, optimal decision-making and transparency.

   

  During this course, you will discover the new role of the corporate secretary when binge governance is applied in the organization. As corporate secretary you are responsible for all governance content for the board. You manage a team of creators to create the governance content and you are responsible for the result and all efforts. The big difference is that we teach you to focus on what really matters: creating a committed and active board in managing and supervising and providing different perspectives for their decision-making processes.

   

  Learning Objectives: 

  • Assembling a governance writing team
  • Running of a writing room
  • Delivery of governance content production
  • Supervision of governance production
  • Supervision of governance post production
  • Personal skills

   

  Who Should Attend:

  • Governance Professionals
  • Individuals who are new to boards
  • Board consultants

  
  

  March 2020 Cancellation Policy

  Speaker

  

  Edo de Vette

  Founder, 24governance

  
  

  (Click on the speaker's name to see his biography.)

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Foundations of Governance - Two and Half day Course

  • Start
    25 Mar 2022
  •  
    8:00 AM (PDT)
  • End
    27 Mar 2022
  •  
    12:00 PM (PDT)
  • Location
    Vancouver, TBD
  • Spaces left
    21

  Register

  The Foundations of Governance Course consists of two and a half days covering key areas of governance, which include: the role of the governance professional, director management, advising the board, board dynamics, effectiveness, culture, relationships and conflicts.

  Within each of these areas, practitioners in governance will take a thorough look at central elements of practice and how to navigate difficult situations, apply best practices and important tools in the day to day running of a governance office. This course is a comprehensive view of the key foundations and practice of governance, and essential for professionals both seasoned and new to the role. 

  Program:

  Day 1 - Core of Governance and the role of the governance professional

  This session sets out the expectations and growing role and responsibilities of the Governance Professional.  It will examine the legal commonalities and differences among various kinds of organizations and how they impact oversight, strategic and operational functions.

  Participants will explore the following topics in depth:

  • What is a Governance Professional – Job description
  • The legal, regulatory and public policy basis of governance for not-for-profits, state-owned organizations, private and public corporations;
  • How the principles of accountability, transparency and independence can be practiced effectively in different organizational contexts;
  • Practical tools for developing effective governance practices under different organizational cultures
  • Legal Entities/structures (differences and similarities)
  • Duty of the corporate secretary
  • Director responsibilities, Mandate and fiduciary duties
  • Regulators and Laws
  • NFPs, Crowns, Co-ops, partnerships
  • Officers (role of CEO, Directors, CO), D&O Liability and Integrity agreements
  • Ethics, confidentiality , privacy, Conflicts of Interest, up-the-ladder reporting duties
  • Accountability, Transparency, Independence
  • Policy Management
  • Monitoring governance best practices sponsored by stakeholders

  Day 2 – Director Management – Driving Board Effectiveness throughout the Director Life Cycle

  The purpose of the session is to provide the tools for developing critical processes to enhance Board effectiveness from before directors join the Board, through their tenure and until they leave – with the objective of improving the Board’s decision-making processes

  Participants will explore the following topics in depth:

  • The legal, regulatory and best practice requirements for key director processes
  • The role of the Governance Professional in supporting and encouraging good governance practices with regard to recruiting, orienting, education, evaluating and removing directors

  Board Committees Framework

  The purpose of this session is to provide information on the tools and framework for the purpose of committees, relationship to the board, roles and responsibilities, board delegation along with committee rights and authority.

  Participants will explore the following topics in depth:

  Committee focus and work

  • Types of Committees
  • Committee mandate template
  • Committee reporting process and template
  • Structuring the Committee

  Day 3 – Soft Skills – Managing and Influencing Board Dynamics, Culture, Relationships & Conflicts

  Boardroom dynamics have a significant yet largely unrecognized impact on good governance.  The governance professional has a critical role in supporting their board in fostering a more conducive boardroom culture by mastering the required soft skills to do so.

  Faculty:

  • Janis Riven, BCL, LLB, MBA, FCIS, Acc.Dir (bio)

  • Heather Laxton, Chief Governance Officer & Corporate Secretary, Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. (bio)

  • John Dinner, President, John T. Dinner Board Governance Services (bio)

  Important Note:

  This Event is one of three courses that make up the full GPC-EP education program and which leads to the GPC.D (Governance Professionals of Canada Designation). 

  You have the option to register and attend this event without committing to the full Education program, however, you will not be eligible to the professional designation (GPC.D), unless you complete all 3 modules as well as their individual exams and the final evaluation. 
  

  Participants who are registered for the Education program (GPC-EP) will be required to write an exam after the completion of this module. 
  

  If you wish to enroll in the entire designation program to obtain the GPC.D designation (and save on the cost of the entire program), you can change your registration here: Education program on this link.

  Sponsored by:

  

  
  

  Cancellation and Refund Policy:
  

  If canceling the program in its entirety outside of 2 months prior to taking your first course, the program fee will be refunded with a cancellation penalty of $500. If canceling the program within 3 weeks of taking your first course, the program fee will be refunded with a cancellation penalty of $1,000. If cancellation occurs during or after the first module has been started, there will be no further refunds. Companies or individuals may transfer their registration to another individual only if cancellation occurs prior to taking the first course only or individuals may be able to transfer their registration to another individual only if cancellation occurs prior to taking the first of the 3 courses only. All cancellations or transfer requests must be received by email to education@gpcanada.org.

  .

  Show details
• Boardroom Culture: An Essential Requirement for Governing Well

  • When
    07 Apr 2022
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Webinar (EDT)

  Register

  Are you interested in bringing a group to attend this session? Contact events@gpcanada.org for details on group discounts.

  Boardroom culture is increasingly understood as a critical aspect to good governance and board effectiveness. Yet unlike matters relating to board structure and process, boardroom culture has been given little attention. As such, directors often find themselves having to use limited time and energy to navigating power and personality challenges that an explicit boardroom culture would proactively anticipate and address.

  The focus of this session will be on providing relevant insights into how boards can instill a culture than enables more effective oversight and better decision-making.

  The session will equip participants with a keen understanding of the steps to be taken to improve the relationship dynamics among Board members and with Staff by effectively applying:

  • A process to determine the current boardroom culture;
  • The means of defining the preferred future-focused boardroom culture;
  • The process of instilling this new culture in ways that facilitate desired change; and
  • Options for fostering meaningful accountability that will ensure Board members fulfill their individual and collective responsibility for supporting and contributing to this new culture.

  Time will be committed for open discussion on the material presented and its application in the content of participants’ boards.

   

  About the Speaker

  

  John Dinner
  President, John T. Dinner Board Governance Services

  (Click on the speaker's name to see his biography.)

  Show details