The IOG’s vision is to be the pre-eminent, independent Canadian source of knowledge, research and advice on governance and its continuous improvement. For 20 years we have been committed to exploring, developing and promoting the principles, standards and practices which underlie good governance in the public sphere, both in Canada and abroad. To date, the IOG has undertaken over 1000 projects in Canada and 35 countries, and we are growing every day. Explore our services to find out how we can help you.

 

Our Services include:

  

Advisory Services

The Institute On Governance provides advice on all aspects of governance. This advice is based on our extensive experience in Canada and abroad, working across all sectors of society on a wide range of subjects. Our advice is underpinned by our...
  

Applied Research

Sometimes it's useful to see your department or organization in relation to other, similar ones, or to explore new ideas and options for improving your governance. It can give you a better perspective of the current environment and your organization...
  

Facilitation and Engagement

Facilitation:  Meetings between government and stakeholders or those involving two or more departments are often more productive if designed and facilitated by a neutral, third party.   This can also be the case for groups or...
  

Professional Development and Capacity Building

Learning has been a core activity of the IOG since the very beginning.  Whether convening experts to share their thinking or helping people to strengthen their individual capacities, the IOG can design, manage and deliver a wide-range of...
  

Speakers & Panelists

The IOG is frequently asked to participate in conferences by providing keynote speakers, panelists or discussion papers.  We can identify and provide stimulating speakers – from inside or outside the IOG – in any of our knowledge areas. For...

The IOG draws on its extensive knowledge base and experience to assist public purpose organizations such as governments, public agencies, crown corporations, communities and the non-profit sector to improve their governance. Since its inception, the Institute has completed well over 1,000 projects in public governance. The Institute carries out research, runs professional development programs, and provides advice in a range of areas. Explore our Knowledge Areas to learn more.

 

Our knowledge areas include:

  

Aboriginal Governance

There is near consensus that the conditions of Aboriginal peoples in Canada rank as one of our most serious shortcomings as a nation. Unacceptable gaps separate Aboriginal people from other Canadians in terms of education attainment, employment and...
  

Board & Organizational Governance

Board governance is a deciding component of organizational effectiveness and a crucial part of the functioning life of non-profit and public sector organizations. Good governance ensures objectives are realized, resources are well managed, and the...
  

Building Strong Partnerships

Partnerships between public and private organizations are an important feature of the modern governance landscape.  How policies are developed, who is tasked with implementation and who is accountable for results are questions that need answers...
  

Health and Innovation

In Canada, health governance is built on intergovernmental cooperation. It also takes place outside the governmental sphere and involves non-governmental organizations, the private sector, communities, and even individuals themselves. This...
  

International Programming

Over the past 20 years, the Institute has worked with donor organizations, national or state governments and local civil society organizations in more than 30 countries to build capacity for more effective governance. Our Canadian and international...
  

Modernizing Government

The structures, systems and processes typical of current governments are under pressure.  The challenges of citizen involvement, technology, demographics and globalization have drastically changed expectations.  Governments across the...

For more than 15 years, the Institute on Governance has been offering courses for public sector policy makers. Over 6000 federal employees have now taken one or more of our courses, and our attendance grown every year as former participants advise their staff colleagues to attend. The IOG provides an independent source of knowledge on governance, public policy and administration to equip individuals with the understanding and practical tools they need to better perform their functions.

 

Upcoming Courses include:

  

Risk Management in Times of Change

Understanding the new meaning of risk and how to manage it with a reduced budget.
  

Developing the Business Case for Social Media

Building the business case for Web 2.0 and social media applications.
  

IOG Executive Leadership Program

This year-long program is for committed public service executives at the director level who want to hone their abilities to meet the on-going challenges of a fast-paced working environment and the transformative world of deficit reduction.
 
Through self-reflection, observation, practice, and feedback, participants will develop key leadership skills to improve resilience, to manage change, and to use evidence-based decision-making.
  

Briefings on Demand

Getting your message across to colleagues, superiors, Ministers, etc.
  

Policy and Communications

Practical strategies for working together to develop and effective, common approach to achieve results.
  

Aboriginal Governance: Challenges and Perspectives

Aboriginal Governance: Building governance capacity considering the roles of government, Aboriginal communities and stakeholders.
  

Strengthening Your Political Savvy

Understanding How to Navigate the Political-Public Service Interface
  

Foundations of Governance for Public Institutions

Strategies for improving governance capacity in your organization
  

Understanding the Expenditure Management System

Understanding and working with EMS.
  

Demystifying the Treasury Board Submission Process

This one-day course brings to life both the theory and practice of TB submissions to help make submission-writing a surmountable challenge.
  

Policy 1

How to develop policy in the Government of Canada.

 
  

Policy 2

How to frame and position your policy successfully against competing policy priorities.
  

How Government Works

Understanding how to work within the structures, processes and players of the Canadian political system.