National Governance Professionals Day is celebrated annually on the last Wednesday of March and takes place on March 26 this year. This initiative serves as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the role of governance professionals across all organizations in Canada.
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.
History of National Governance Professionals Day
National Governance Professionals Day was established to recognize the vital role that governance professionals play in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of organizations. The day serves as a platform to honor those who work behind the scenes to ensure that organizations operate transparently and responsibly.
Since its inception, National Governance Professionals Day has expanded to include a range of activities aimed at education and engagement. Organizations often host seminars, workshops, and networking events to promote best practices in governance. This day not only honors the contributions of governance professionals but also promotes a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring that the principles of good governance remain at the forefront of organizations’ priorities.
National Governance Professionals Day timeline
The Canadian Society of Corporate Secretaries (CSCS) is created, following the published Dey Report by the TSX: “Where Are the Directors?”
Canada passes Bill-198 to strengthen corporate governance and create confidence in the Canadian market.
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.
Governance Professionals of Canada sponsors National Governance Professionals Day and the inaugural celebration takes place. Want to be a sponsor: learn how.
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.
What do governance professionals advice on?
Governance professionals advise on legal and regulatory changes, financial and strategic reporting, environmental impact assessment and reporting, and more.
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
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.
Expand your knowledge of corporate governance
Learn more about corporate governance, its importance, and the critical role that governance professionals play.
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.
5 Facts About Governance Professionals
Educational background
Most governance professionals have backgrounds in law, business administration, or public administration.
Regulatory framework knowledge
They must understand regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley, Dodd-Frank, or local corporate governance codes, ensuring compliance across all operations.
Effective communication skills
They must have excellent written and verbal communication skills in order to articulate governance policies and engage stakeholders effectively.
Ethics framework development
Governance professionals often create and promote ethics programs to guide employee behavior and decision-making processes.
Continuous education
They must regularly attend workshops, seminars, and webinars to stay updated on governance trends, legal changes, and best practices.
Why National Governance Professionals Day Is Important
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.
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.
It promotes collaboration
The day provides an opportunity for networking and collaboration among professionals in the field. By bringing individuals from various sectors together, it promotes the sharing of ideas and experiences.
National Governance Professionals Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 29 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | March 27 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | March 26 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | March 25 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | March 31 | Wednesday |
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