THE NEWSLETTER FOR GOVERNANCE PROFESSIONALS OF CANADA
MAY 2019
president's Message 

 
  
May was a busy month of activity at GPC. This week we held a 'mini' one-day conference on 'The Case for ESG Governance'. Held in Vancouver, we had over 80 attendees take part in a very candid and open dialogue on current practices and perspectives on sustainability, and on the role of the board and the governance professional in corporate social responsibility (CSR). Discussion points and takeaways were compiled and we will be producing a whitepaper to share with GPC members. You can still hear the discussion first-hand, as a webinar recording of the event will soon be available through our On-Demand Learning page in the upcoming weeks.
 
Next up on our GPC professional development calendar, is a panel discussion on Board Diversity - Are you an Agent of Change, which will take place in Toronto and by webinar on Thursday, June 13. A one-hour panel discussion on how you can be a leader in creating board diversity in your organization, join us in-person or via webinar. Watch your inbox for more events coming up in the fall including: Not for Profit Governance Boot Camp on September 10, Best Practices in Subsidiary Governance on September 19, Cybersecurity and Privacy and the Role of the Board on October 2, Public Issuer Governance on October 22 and Practical Project Management on November 19.  
 
If you haven't already done so, register for the GPC Annual Corporate Governance Conference! We'll be in Québec City, August 18 - 21 at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, where we have a great discounted room rate, available until July 15, so don't delay in reserving! The conference will start with a brand new optional workshop that will be held in both French and English on Sunday, August 18. Over 50 speakers will delve into current practices and trends for all levels of governance professionals and organization types over the next 2 days, as well as provide hard-hitting keynotes and plenaries, concurrent sessions and mini workshops. Invest in your professional development and save a few extra dollars too - early-bird registration deadline is June 25.
 
Also a reminder that the nominations will close on June 28 for our 2019 Excellence in Governance Awards. Nominating organizations or your own is EASY and the recognition for your great practices is worth it! Now in its 7th year, the EG Awards continue to recognize and celebrate the important contributions of great organizations and governance professionals. Submit a nomination on behalf of your governance team or your organization for these prestigious awards. Begin your nomination today.
 
Lastly, we would like to invite you to register for our highly engaging and dynamic education program. We are very pleased of the positive response and success of the Governance Professionals of Canada Education Program (GPC-EP) to date. This formal certification is a first of its kind in Canada, providing a very practical course on all key governance processes and practices for governance professionals at all levels, and leading to the designation of GPC.D. The curriculum is based on three modules: Foundations of Governance, Applied Governance and Strategic Governance. To review the complete curriculum, or to register today, contact Letricia Fullerton or visit our GPC-EP website.
 
Wishing you a very sunny start to your summer!
 
Sincerely, 
Lynn Beauregard
President, Governance Professionals of Canada  
 
In This ISssue
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Are you interested in advertising your product, service and/or business to the GPC market.
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e-newsletter both offer the opportunity to reach our targeted market.

 

Contact any one of the GPC staff members to discuss your options today: info@gpcanada.org.

SPONSORSHIP & PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Conference sponsorship opportunities are still available. To review the complete list of offerings, visit our 2019 GPC Annual Sponsorship Package.

To confirm or for more information, contact Albert Orellana.

Annual CONFERENCE
GPC 21st Annual Corporate Governance Conference
August 18 - 21, 2019 | Fairmont Le Château | Quebéc City, QC 
Check out the complete Conference Agenda here.

This year's plenary and keynotes on the program include:
  • Shifting Mindsets: Agility, Managing Change and Fostering Innovation - An Improv Workshop by Second City Works
  • A Board's Perspective - The To-do List for Resilient Boards of Directors
  • The Role of Governance Professionals in Mediating the Space Between the Board of Directors and Management
  • Becoming a 'Next Generation' Governance Organization - Balancing Risks and Ethics in an Age of Accountability and Transparency
  • Governance in the Eye of the Social Media Hurricane - How companies and boards need to be agile and prepare for crisis emerging in the new social media world
  • Getting the Board's Buy-In: How to convey your message and prepare for the inevitable challenges of the Directors' Q&A

This year's conference, Next Generation Governance: Resilience, Agility and Innovation, and the conference topics will tackle trending issues important for the knowledge and skill-set of all governance professionals. Issues and discussions will include board diversity, corporate culture, whistleblowing, onboarding, AGMs and so many others key issues. Join the action and knowledge exchange with like-minded individuals and experts. Confirm your registration today!

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS
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THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CONFERENCE PARTNERS

Excellence in Governance Awards
Nominations for the Governance Professionals of Canada's 2019 Excellence in Governance Awards/Prix d'excellence en gouvernance are now open!  
 
Get recognized for your governance excellence - nominate your organization today! 
 
The EG Awards underscore the critical role that good governance plays in sustaining the value of Canada's public companies, crown corporations, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations, and in contributing to the competitiveness of Canada's economy and its capital markets.  
 
We encourage companies of all sizes, sectors and industries to nominate in one of the eleven award categories. The deadline for nominations is June 28, 2019.  
 
Shortlisted finalists will be announced at our annual corporate governance conference August 18-21 2019 in Quebéc City. The winners will be awarded and celebrated at a gala dinner and ceremony on Thursday, November, 7, 2019 in Toronto at The Carlu.  
 
 
GPC Education program

The Governance Professionals Education Program (GPC-EP) is the only practical course available for governance professionals in Canada. It is designed to provide you with the tools and practical knowledge to ensure that your overall corporate governance processes and programs are effective and fine-tuned, to ensure your organization's success. In the course you will focus on such topics as risk and the governance professional, the role of governance professional in board strategy, CSR sustainability and ESG and the role of the board, strategic finance and ethics, among others.  

Register for one of these upcoming course dates today!

Foundations of Governance
Applied Governance
Strategic Governance
Vancouver, June 7 - 9, 2019
Vancouver, October 4 - 6, 2019
Toronto, September 13 - 15, 2019
For more information regarding GPC-EP visit our website or contact  Letricia Fullerton
 
Register for one of these upcoming course dates today!
Professional development
Gain practical tools and skills with one (or a few) of our upcoming professional development sessions:
All of these - and more - professional development sessions are on our Event Listings page.
  
Continue your learning, continue your skills development! With our newest offering,  On-Demand Learning. Access previous professional development session through our archive of GPC webinars.
Membership News
Member-Get-A-Member Campaign
 
We want to grow our community. A bigger GPC community means greater networking and learning opportunities for you.  
 
This is where YOU step in!  
 
When you refer someone to become a member of GPC, you will be entered in a draw to win a $500 credit to a stay at a Fairmont Hotel. In just over 2 weeks, two lucky winners will be chosen in our June 15, 2019 draw. Want to learn more? Click here!  
 
GPC Membership Benefit

Benefit From Top Resources from Governance Professionals Around the Country

"The promotion and advancement of the governance function in organizations in the private, public, not-for-profit and other sectors in Canada, through education, networking and the continued development and application of best governance practices."
  • Professional development and education.
  • Industry networking opportunities.
  • The Annual Corporate Governance Conference.
  • The Excellence in Governance Awards (EGAs).
  • Information resources.
  • Advocacy
  • Strategic alliances 

Enjoy the perks of being a GPC Member!

 
 
GPC Chapters and Local Events

GPC local chapters provide an opportunity to engage with your local peers to exchange ideas, connect with like-minded individuals and grow your corporate network.
 
We want you to get involved!  
 
Are you interested in volunteering for a local activity? Do you have an idea for a local event or topic for learning? Let us know! GPC is keen to expand local engagement to better serve you.  
 
For more information on your local chapter happenings, or to volunteer - contact your local chapter representative.
  • Vancouver Chapter: Arne Gulstene  
  • Calgary Chapter: Amy Anderson
  • Edmonton Chapter: Aaron Friedenthal 
  • Toronto (GTA) Chapter: Ivy Lumia
  • Ottawa Chapter: Kathy Cauchon and Christine Thomas 
  • Quebec Chapter: Matthew Fireman and Guy Lesperance
  • Saskatchewan Chapter: Sheldon Stener and Bronwynn Cutts
Click here for the member directory.
REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE

Do you have a question you need an answer to? Looking for best practices? Our Request for Assistance service is an easy way to receive information from your peers. Below are some recent requests. Your response is appreciated.

 

Board policies and guidelines 

We are interested in learning what type of policies are used by your organization for the management of the board. Do you use governance guidelines, or meeting guidelines outside of the charters? Do you have a position description for the corporate secretary position? Do you have overall governance principles used by the board to manage their work?

To Respond

Please submit your response by going to the GPC Forum.

 

If you wish to remain anonymous, click here for instructions on how to manage your privacy setting. 

 

To view responses to previous Request for Assistance, please click here or login and click on Members Only Section > Request for Assistance Responses. 

GPC RECOmmends

Competent Boards announces a Certificate program for boards and their advisors! Click here to learn more.
 
 
The Competent Boards Certificate Programs provide insight from over 40 of the worlds most respected leaders including, board chairs, board members, CEOs, Investors, and other experts. Session topics are examined through the lens of good corporate governance and cover material themes including ESG, Climate, Diversity, Human Rights, Supply Chain, the SDGs, Anti-corruption, Tax, Investment and Pay issues, Responsible use and handling of data, Disclosure, etc.  
 
GPC Members are eligible for a special 20% discount using the discount code GPC2019. Sign up as soon as possible as there are limited seats available.
 
Women in Governance's Parity Certification serves to help Canadian organizations increase the representation of women in sectors where they have historically been underrepresented, as well as in senior management positions. This innovative certification not only evaluates parity at the decision-making level of organizations, but also assesses the organization's commitment to the implementation of mechanisms that enable women at all levels of its hierarchy to achieve career advancement, thus creating a pipeline of female talent.  
 
You are cordially invited to submit your completed application for the 3rd annual edition of Women in Governance's Parity Certification before June 30, 2019 5pm EST.
 
NEWS AND UPDATES
Electronic documents and signatures: a legal overview
Norton Rose Fulbright LLP

In our increasingly digitized world, it is important to know the rules regarding electronic documents and signatures. Each Canadian province and territory has adopted its own electronic commerce legislation, which are very similar to one another and largely permissive in regards to the use of electronic documents and signatures. Alberta's e-commerce legislation is called the Electronic Transactions Act (the ETA). Section 10 states that information or a record to which the ETA applies must not be denied legal effect or enforceability solely by reason that it is in electronic form.

Read More

Guide To Going Public In Canada
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Listing your company's securities on a Canadian stock exchange provides access to significant capital pools and investors, both in Canada and abroad. The Canadian capital markets are particularly attractive for resource-based issuers and may provide greater visibility for smaller and medium sized issuers than a listing on other significant markets.

Read More

Global Affairs Canada Announces the Appointment of the First Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

The appointment of Ms. Sheri Meyerhoffer to the office of Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) reflects the federal government's commitment to promoting responsible business practices abroad. The appointment is part of Canada's Trade Diversification Strategy, which seeks to diversify its trade and investment opportunities.

Read More

Reducing Regulatory Burden - Highlights from the OSC's First Roundtable
McCarthy Tétrault LLP

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) has identified regulatory burden reduction as one of its key priorities for the coming year. The Ontario government is taking an active, hands-on role in coordinating efforts with the OSC to ensure that this priority is advanced. The OSC recently established a Burden Reduction Task Force in coordination with the Ontario Ministry of Finance to identify ways in which the OSC could reduce regulatory burden for Ontario capital markets participants and announced a series of related roundtable discussions for stakeholders.

Read More

Shareholder Activism Reaches Record Levels
Norton Rose Fulbright LLP

Activist Insight recently published the sixth edition of its annual report, entitled "The Activist Investing Annual Review 2019" (the "Review"). The Review analyzes recent global shareholder activism trends, forecasts expected developments in 2019, and highlights and compares jurisdictional data.

Read More

Whose Company Is It Anyway? CBCA Amendments to Require Federal Corporations to Maintain Beneficial Ownership Records
Edwards, Kenny & Bray LLP

Amendments to the Canada Business Corporations Act will require privately held federal corporations to maintain records of individuals with significant control. As a result, many corporations will face additional corporate recordkeeping requirements.

The Amendments will officially come into force on June 13, 2019. One of the stated objectives is to combat money laundering and terrorism financing by identifying beneficial owners of private federal corporations. Under the current rules, the identities of beneficial owners - those individuals who ultimately benefit from the ownership of shares in a corporation - can effectively remain hidden because there is no requirement for corporations to collect or disclose beneficial ownership information. Many beneficial owners hold their interests in corporations indirectly through one or more holding companies, trusts, or other structures that do not give a clear view of ultimate beneficial ownership when viewing a corporation's Central Securities Register.

Read More

About GPC 

The Governance Professionals of Canada (GPC) is the voice of Corporate Secretaries and governance professionals in Canada. Its members deal with disclosure and matters affecting corporate governance, including the structure and meetings of the board of directors and its committees, the proxy process and annual meetings. As such GPC strives to provide valuable and timely information on recent changes and developments which affect our members - in all sectors. 


 

Specialties: Our members include professionals with positions such as Corporate Secretary, Manager Corporate Governance, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, VP Regulatory Affairs, Associate Corporate Secretary, and Board Administrator.

 

Mission Statement

The promotion and advancement of effective governance and corporate secretarial practice in organizations in the private, public, not-for-profit and other sectors through the continued development and application of governance and corporate secretaryship best practices.

This e-newsletter is issued monthly to all GPC members.  Non-members may also subscribe and receive the newsletter without access to member only content. 
 
If you have comments or wish to contribute material to this newsletter, please e-mail us at info@gpcanada.org