Board governance is a critical component of organizational performance. Effective governance ensures objectives are realized, resources are well managed, and the interests of stakeholders are protected and reflected in key decisions. The Institute on Governance (IOG) provides a range of services specifically designed to help not-for-profit organizations and associations. We work in the areas of board governance assessment, strategy, member engagement and organizational design. Our aim is to facilitate the process by which organizations can tailor their own governance model.
 |
The Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), the largest human resources association in the country, engaged the IOG to develop and deliver a series of blended learning modules (5 online modules and 2 classroom sessions) on board governance topics. In addition, IOG designed and facilitated their strategic planning retreat and customized training for the Association’s chapter boards. |
 |
The IOG designed and provided new member orientation training and board development training on stakeholder engagement for the Cooperative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF). In addition, it implemented a member engagement survey on board composition. |
 |
The Institute assisted the Canadian Produce Marketing Agency (CPMA) with a strategic planning, governance review and branding review, including a member opinion survey, environmental scan, facilitation and staff engagement. |
 |
The IOG reviewed the existing governance quality improvement program for the Canadian Medical Association and recommended and designed enhancements to program elements such as board succession, board development and assessment, and provided support with the initial roll-out. |
 |
The Institute undertook a governance review of the Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation (ABCRC) including a review of their governance documents, interviews with all board members and senior staff, and presented at an ABCRC board retreat. |
 |
The IOG conducted a governance review of the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) including a document review, online survey of members and interviews with key informants. A report on findings with recommendations was produced and presented to the CanWEA board of directors.The institute also provided implementation support. |
 |
The Ontario Soccer Association (OSA) commissioned the Institute to develop and deliver a facilitated session for its board of directors, focusing on participation, board processes and board performance. The IOG prepared a summary report, including recommendations for next steps. |
Todd Cain is a leader in the field of governance and organization effectiveness for mission-driven organizations. His experience covers organization design, board and executive governance, strategy, change and HR management. He has led dozens of engagements with federal and provincial agencies and crown corporations as well as national and community level non-profits and associations. He also leads IOG’s Public Governance Exchange research syndicate. He previously led Deloitte’s national organization design community of practice and served as Senior Policy Advisor to the President of the Treasury Board of Canada. While with the Treasury Board, he provided strategic policy advice on public management issues including accountability, results based management, financial management reforms, expenditure review, HR policy, transparency and governance, and was a principal driver of the 2005 reforms to Crown Corporation governance.
His private sector experience focused on mergers and acquisitions, and HR and labour relations with General Electric and Ford Motor Company. He has led the integration of global businesses, conducted due diligence and negotiated multiple collective agreements.
Todd is an experienced facilitator and author of articles on the Public Governance, the federal expenditure management information system, the policy implementation gap and the award winning “Dr. Schumpeter Comes to the Capital – Creative Destruction in Public Spending.” He holds a Bachelor of Public Administration, Highest Honours, from Carleton University and a Master’s of Industrial and Labour Relations from Cornell University.
Laura Edgar leads the Institute’s international work, including building and managing modernizing government, organizational governance, indigenous governance, health and innovation and partnership initiatives and projects around the world. Laura also leads the Institute’s work on the governance of partnerships, including PPPs and civil society – government relations.
In addition to her international experience, Laura has over ten years experience working with boards of directors of public purpose organizations and is an active contributor to the Crown & Organizational Governance practice area.
Prior to joining the Institute, Ms. Edgar was the Programs Coordinator at the Institute for Leadership Development, where she led several programs for young professionals and young entrepreneurs. Her responsibilities included program management, liaising with Canadian and international partner organizations, and organizing training programs.
Ms. Edgar has completed an M.A. in Economics at the University of Guelph, and also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University. In addition, she lived and worked for two years in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa and two years in Japan, and has managed projects in South-East Asia and Lesotho.
Quick Links
