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National Governance Professionals Day

National Governance Professionals Day – March 27, 2024

Governance Professionals of Canada (GPC) is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural National Governance Professionals Day, which is to be celebrated annually on the last Wednesday of March. This initiative, created by Governance Professionals of Canada, will serve as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the role of governance professionals across all organizations in Canada. The inaugural ‘National Governance Professionals Day’ will take place on March 27, 2023, in collaboration with the Institute of Governance.

Who are governance professionals? They may be the Corporate Secretary, Corporate Counsel, Executive Director, or have other titles, and they are responsible for implementing governance policies and procedures, monitoring compliance with laws and regulations, managing the Board and its committees’ meetings and processes, among other key activities. They play a crucial role in ensuring that an organization is operating in an efficient, ethical, and compliant manner and they ensure that the organization is following leading governance practices to protect it from potential risks. Their role is vital to the long-term success of the organization and its reputation.

“Governance professionals play a critical role in the success of their organizations, and National Governance Professionals Day is a chance to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of these individuals,” said Lynn Beauregard, President of GPC. “We are excited to launch this initiative to grow the recognition for the role and the value it brings to Boards and organizations in Canada.”

GPC will also hold its annual Excellence in Governance Awards Showcase on the same day to celebrate the winners and shortlisted organizations in its 2022 Awards ceremony. Leading up to the event, GPC will feature activities on social media platforms to celebrate the contributions of governance professionals and encourages all organizations to join in recognizing the important work that their governance professionals play for their organizations.

National Governance Professionals Day timeline

1994
Governance Professionals of Canada

The Canadian Society of Corporate Secretaries (CSCS) is created, following the published Dey Report by the TSX: “Where Are the Directors?”

2003
A New Law

Canada passes Bill-198 to strengthen corporate governance and create confidence in the Canadian market.

2013
Recognizing Excellence

The first GPC Excellence in Governance Awards (EGAs) are handed out at GPC’s annual conference, which aimed to recognize the important contribution that organizations, their boards, and governance professionals make in terms of best practices, that build and sustain stakeholder value in Canada.

2016
New Beginnings

The CSCS is rebranded as Governance Professionals of Canada (GPC) following membership and industry consultations to become more inclusive of the many professionals within the governance function.

2017
The First of its Kind

GPC certification program is launched (GPC.D) to provide governance professionals with a one-of-a-kind formalized educational program.

2023
An Inaugural Observance

Governance Professionals of Canada celebrate the inaugural National Governance Professionals Day.

National Governance Professionals Day FAQs

What do governance professionals do?

Governance professionals act as liaisons between the board and management to ensure the organization operates ethically, responsibly, and sustainably through good governance.

How do I become a member of GPC?

To become a member or learn how GPC can elevate your career as a governance professional, visit www.gpcanada.org.

What is the GPC.D designation?

The GPC.D is a recognized Canadian designation attained by completing the Governance in Practice program. The program was created to help strengthen the skills of those who practice governance, and to assist their boards and organizations in enhancing their overall governance processes.

How to Observe National Governance Professionals Day

  1. Show your appreciation

    Let your governance professional know you appreciate the work they do. Share a kind word with them, or treat them to flowers, coffee, or lunch.

  2. Expand your knowledge of corporate governance

    Learn more about corporate governance, its importance, and the critical role that governance professionals play. You can learn more at www.gpcanada.org.

  3. Share on social media

    Celebrate governance professionals and share the holiday with your peers on social media. Use the hashtag #GovernanceProfessionalsDay to promote further awareness, and share why this day might be of importance to you, a peer, colleague, or family member.

  4. Become or refer a GPC member

    GPC’s membership offers many exclusive benefits, information, and resources for those involved in corporate governance. Sign up to become a member or refer a peer to GPC. With GPC’s Membership Referral Program, you can both save and unlock unparalleled benefits you won’t find elsewhere. Learn more about membership at www.gpcanada.org.

  5. Advance your governance career

    Further your career as a governance professional with quality education, such as the GPC.D certification program. The GPC.D is Canada’s only designation program created for governance professionals. It’s an opportunity for them to strengthen their professional skills to effectively and efficiently assist their boards and organizations in enhancing their overall governance processes.

5 Reasons To Join GPC

  1. Enhance your career with quality professional education

    Grow and develop your career with formal education, professional development sessions, webinars, on-demand learning, and events designed to keep you on top and ahead of the leading issues and trends in governance.

  2. Create powerful connections with like-minded peers

    Join an engaged and empowered community through networking functions, including regional chapters, an online community, and highly regarded knowledge opportunities — the GPC community provides guidance, insight, fellowship, and support for all like-minded professionals.

  3. Unlock exclusive access to valuable industry resources

    Obtain access to curated, relevant, and reliable information, tools and resources, including a glossary, links to regulatory resources, requests for assistance forums, job postings, a monthly e-newsletter, supplier directory, and access to relevant professional publications.

  4. Gain professional recognition and success through advocacy

    Receive advancement, recognition, and success within the organization and community as a result of GPC’s advocacy.

  5. Create dynamic alliances

    Aligned with other like-minded national and international bodies through partnerships, GPC is positioned to offer a comprehensive perspective on corporate governance.

Why National Governance Professionals Day Is Important

  1. It’s a day to recognize governance professionals

    Governance professionals oversee all aspects of governance compliance and effectiveness. They take responsibility for ensuring that the organization in question adheres to good corporate governance practices and meets all regulatory requirements. It’s a tough job, and we are grateful for their commitment and dedication.

  2. The importance of GPC is highlighted

    GPC has been the voice of governance professionals in Canada since 1994. A prestigious advocate for all matters related to corporate governance and acting in the best interests of their members, we recognize their contributions to good governance across Canada.

  3. Progressing development of corporate governance

    National Governance Professionals Day is an opportunity for boards of directors, management, professionals, stakeholders, and individuals to explore ways to improve governance and progress the development of sound practices to align the interests of everyone involved with the corporation’s purpose. To learn more, visit www.gpcanada.org

National Governance Professionals Day dates

YearDateDay
2023March 29Wednesday
2024March 27Wednesday
2025March 26Wednesday
2026March 25Wednesday
2027March 31Wednesday

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